Cornerback was considered a huge position of strength for the Tennessee Titans heading into the 2024 season. Then-GM Ran Carthon was aggressive last offseason, acquiring L'Jarius Sneed and Chido Awuzie via trade and free agency. Those moves resulted in initial disaster, with both players missing the majority of the campaign with injury.
Carthon was fired and replaced by Mike Borgonzi. Awuzie was immediately released from a bloated contract. Sneed is still dealing with a tricky recovery from a quad injury, and his recurring knee issues need managing this offseason. Sneed didn't participate physically in OTAs as a result and Titans fans are officially concerned about his status.
Tennessee's cornerback room may be overly reliant on Sneed's recovery. Sophomore corner Jarvis Brownlee Jr. is now an unquestioned starter. If Sneed repeats 2024's nightmare, it'll be Darrell Baker Jr. opposite Brownlee Jr., or sixth-round rookie Marcus Harris.
Borgonzi could consider veteran cornerback options if there's organization-wide concern regarding Sneed's form. If an upgrade can be found to bolster Tennessee's depth chart, Borgonzi would be foolish not to consider the possibility.
And one major development around the league shouldn't go unnoticed by the Titans.
Titans could explore signing Jaire Alexanders after stunning release
The Green Bay Packers are reportedly releasing Pro Bowl cornerback Jaire Alexander after a trade partner failed to materialize. Alexander will now pick his next destination via free agency, assuming a last-minute trade doesn't occur. The Titans could consider signing the veteran corner.
After a career-best season in 2022, injuries have since derailed Alexander's once-blooming career. The former Louisville standout has suited up for seven regular-season games apiece in 2023 and 2024 due to recurring setbacks. Given Sneed's situation, the Titans would probably want to conduct a physical with Alexander to avoid getting burned a second time.
Based on Borgonzi's movements in free agency this year, Alexander doesn't seem like the type of player he'd pursue. The Titans prioritized availability (health) and leadership. Alexander is questionable in both departments, especially given his latest string of injuries. What is particularly interesting here is that Titans president of football operations Chad Brinker worked in the Packers' scouting department when Alexander was drafted in 2018.
On the surface, it doesn't appear as if Alexander would typically appeal to the Titans, but perhaps Brinker's presence makes this opportunity unique.