Tennessee Titans general manager Mike Borgonzi utilized free agency last offseason to add a bunch of temporary solutions at positions of need. The thought was to add low-cost players that would buy him time to find eventual replacements through the NFL Draft. The Titans prefer to rebuild this roster with patience.
That thought process perfectly encapsulates the decision to sign veteran safety Xavier Woods to a two-year contract worth $8 million. Woods was penciled into a starting role opposite Amani Hooker in the defensive backfield. When the 2025 NFL Draft arrived, Borgonzi drafted Penn State safety Kevin Winston Jr. in the third round.
Winston acclimated slowly to the Titans' defensive lineup due to a setback in his offseason recovery from a partially torn AFL suffered at Penn State. Since entering the fray though, Winston has been a legitimate difference maker with a bright future. His emergence could place Woods on the roster bubble this coming offseason.
Titans veteran S Xavier Woods is a potential offseason cap casualty
The Titans recently placed both Winston and Woods on season-ending IR. It's especially unfortunate for Winston, who had been performing like a difference maker in recent weeks. He's done enough to enter 2026 training camp as a starter.
The Titans' defensive backfield had been co-existing with Hooker, Woods, and Winston in recent weeks. Defensive coordinator Dennard Wilson had shifted to three-safety looks by placing Winston at nickel corner, with Hooker and Woods playing their traditional safety roles. That is not a long-term solution.
Winston was playing the nickel position due to Wilson's shortage of options at cornerback. The Titans will possess an opportunity to acquire better solutions at cornerback this offseason. When they do, Winston should move to safety in 2026 next to Hooker. That leaves Woods' role in limbo.
The Titans could create $4 million in additional salary cap relief by releasing Woods this offseason, according to Over The Cap's calculations, with just $1 million in dead money attached. The financial savings are fruitful enough that Borgonzi may weigh the benefits, though retaining Woods who doubles a depth veteran safety and locker room leader could be deemed worthwhile.
Winston's emergence, though cut short, leaves Woods' 2026 role with the Titans in doubt. Borgonzi brought him in on a team-friendly contract to provide experience. There will be discussions and conversations to be had about Woods this coming offseason.