The Tennessee Titans are quickly figuring out what the Los Angeles Chargers learned the hard way about offensive tackle Austin Deculus. The 27-year-old lineman became a starter for the Chargers last season after injuries to their top tackles. He became one of the worst starting tackles in the NFL, allowing 39 pressures in 13 games.
Robert Saleh's Titans belived that they could get more out of Deculus, signing him to a one-year deal this offseason. Deculus entered a position battle with Brandon Crenshaw-Dickson for the swing tackle role. Training camp couldn't decide a produce a clear leader, so the two tackles entered the Titans' preseason opener neck-and-neck.
After a mistake-filled performance from Deculus in Tennessee's preseason win over the San Francisco 49ers, the Titans should be scrambling to find a replacement.
Titans can't afford to keep Austin Deculus after preseason struggles
It's always dangerous to overreact to one preseason game. In Deculus's case, though, we saw more of the struggles that tanked his stint with the Chargers.
Deculus allowed consistent pressure after coming onto the field in the second quarter against the 49ers. While he was passable as a run blocker, his pass protection left plenty to be desired. San Francisco's backup pass rushers were getting past him easily to pressure the quarterback.
When blocking for Will Levis, Deculus allowed multiple quick pressures, at least one of them leading to a sack.
Crenshaw-Dickson wasn't much better. He looked shaky in pass protection and wasn't enough of a force in the run game to outweigh his inconsistency.
The swing tackle position has quickly become one of the most glaring weaknesses on the Titans' preseason roster. The starting offensive line looked solid against San Francisco, but if either J.C. Latham or Dan Moore Jr. misses time this season, Tennessee is going to be in trouble.
Not the most efficient processor in the pocket, Cam Ward needs time to get the ball off. Saleh has no choice but to scour the free agent market and the waiver wire for a new swing tackle.
There are still a few experienced, reliable options in free agency who would be immediate upgrades over Deculus and Crenshaw-Dickson. Jonah Williams is recovering from a shoulder injury that ended his 2025 season early, but if he's healthy, he would be a significant improvement.
Saleh doesn't have time to waste. This issue could cost Ward the opportunity to take a step forward in his second season.
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