The Tennessee Titans enter the 2025 offseason comfortable with the state of their defensive tackle position. Jeffery Simmons is a high-end player. T'Vondre Sweat impressed as a rookie and should be well-positioned to take a sizable leap as a sophomore.
The Titans must acquire a third defensive lineman to play alongside them in 2025. That responsibility belonged to Sebastian Joseph-Day last season. Joseph-Day is slated for free agency. New general manager Mike Borgonzi could possess interest in re-signing him, but it's more likely the team decides to mutually part ways with the aging veteran, who doesn't quite fit their rebuilding timeline.
Keondre Coburn also remains under contract as Sweat's backup. Coburn should possess a role in 2025, but there are several defensive lineman around the league who are scheduled for free agency that possess ties to Tennessee's new-look front office. We've identified three in particular.
Tershawn Wharton, Kansas City Chiefs
The Titans have discussed building through the draft while using free agency to supplement the roster, as opposed to overpaying. Tershawn Wharton would seemingly fit that strategy, while appeasing Borgonzi's want for culture-builder leaders. Wharton had an underrated season for the Kansas City Chiefs, recording a career-high 42 pressures and nine sacks, postseason included.
The 26-year-old Wharton would also fit Tennessee's timeline. Borgonzi will almost certainly acquire at least one free agent from the Chiefs. Many project that to be Trey Smith and/or Nick Bolton, but don't be stunned if Wharton is his preferred target.
Milton Williams, Philadelphia Eagles
Philadelphia Eagles defensive tackle Milton Williams could be another potential target. Williams is likely to outproduce the value of his next contract. Familiarity is present on Tennessee's coaching staff through defensive coordinator Dennard Wilson, who spent two seasons alongside him (2021-22) in Philly.
Williams was underrated for the Super Bowl-winning Eagles this season, producing a career-high five sacks and 40 pressures. Williams benefited from playing alongside Jalen Carter and Jordan Davis in Philly. He'd be placed in a similar situation next to Simmons and Sweat in Tennessee.
Jarran Reed, Seattle Seahawks
Jarran Reed is a potential outside-the-box target. The aging Reed remains productive, totaling 45 tackles and 4.5 sacks for the Seattle Seahawks this past season. He'll turn 33 during the 2025 campaign, but is still playing high-level football, and could provide leadership and experience.
Reed spent the 2021 campaign alongside Borgonzi in Kansas City, and spent 2022 with president of football operations Chad Brinker in Green Bay.