The Tennessee Titans granted veteran edge defender Harold Landry III permission to seek a trade. News broke during the NFL Combine, which allows Landry's representation to speak with potential suitors during a busy week in Indianapolis. The Titans appear uninterested in retaining him at his current salary. They'll have to acquire replacements, increasing the likelihood of them drafting Abdul Carter with the No. 1 overall selection in the 2025 NFL Draft.
Landry's $24 million cap number is scheduled to be the second-largest on the team in 2025. The Titans could potentially save $17.5 million by trading or releasing him. Landry, who had a team-high nine sacks in 2024, but was largely ineffective as a pass rusher, is no longer meeting the expectations of his previously signed $87.5 million contract.
The Titans may have a difficult time convincing a trade partner to take on Landry's bloated salary. Luckily for all parties involved, there are several teams around the league with connections to the player who also need a pass rusher. We've identified four potential suitors.
New England Patriots
The Patriots are an easy dot-connect with Mike Vrabel as the head coach and Terrell Williams as the defensive coordinator. Both Vrabel and Williams were big-time supporters of Landry in Nashville. The Patriots also have a league-high $128 million in cap space, and nine picks in the 2025 NFL Draft. They recorded a league-low 28 sacks last season, and desperately need to add pass-rushing talent to their roster.
Washington Commanders
The Commanders are also flush with cap space, boasting a third-most $82.2 million to spend in free agency. Defensive-minded head coach Dan Quinn saw his unit record a modest 43 sacks, with the aging Dante Fowler Jr. leading the way with 10.5 quarterback takedowns. Fowler Jr. played on an expiring contract and Landry is younger than him by two years. Fellow pass rusher Clelin Ferrell is also slated for free agency, making the position a fairly big need in Washington.
Arizona Cardinals
Cardinals general manager Monti Ossenfort spent three seasons with the Titans (2020-22) alongside Landry. In Arizona, he's struggled to provide head coach Jonathan Gannon with pass rushers to fit his scheme. If traded to the Cardinals, Landry would immediately become Gannon's most experienced and proven edge defender.
Detroit Lions
The Lions may struggle to absorb Landry's contract, but they're in need of pass rushers opposite Aidan Hutchinson. Dan Campbell should consider all viable options, especially with Hutchinson recovering from a serious season-ending injury. Landry would immediately elevate the defense of an annual Super Bowl contender.