The Tennessee Titans entered the offseason needing to upgrade their pass rush. First-year defensive coordinator Dennard Wilson oversaw a unit that finished third-worst in sacks with just 32 quarterback takedowns. It wasn't all Wilson's fault. The Titans clearly lacked the desired talent on the edges of their defense.
The Titans then released 2024 sack leader Harold Landry III from his contract. It was an understandable move given that Landry was no longer meeting the expectations of his bloated deal. Nonetheless, his departure created an additional need at an existing weakness.
Despite that, the Titans weren't big-time players in free agency for an EDGE. New general manager Mike Borgonzi wants to be a draft-and-develop team. Borgonzi signed two veteran defensive ends in Dre'Mont Jones and Lorenzo Carter. After the 2025 NFL Draft, Carter is already at risk of losing snaps.
Lorenzo Carter on thin ice following 2025 NFL Draft
The Titans drafted Femi Oladejo at No. 52 overall, making him their first selection after grabbing quarterback Cam Ward at No. 1. Oladejo is a projection after making the move from off-ball linebacker to EDGE in the middle of the 2024 season. He displayed upside, recording a career-high 4.5 sacks and 57 total tackles.
The expectation is that Arden Key and Jones will be the starters in Wilson's base defense. Neither player qualifies as a high-end pass rusher. Given the lack of talent the Titans possess at EDGE, Oladejo should receive an opportunity to be an instant contributor.
Carter signed a one-year deal with the Titans worth $1.4 million. The former Georgia Bulldog probably hoped to contend for a top three role at EDGE given the Titans' lackluster depth chart. Drafting Oladejo at No. 52 probably bumps him down a spot.
Carter is a seven-year veteran who despite his athleticism and experience, has never developed into a consistent pass rusher. In 2024, he recorded zero sacks as a member of the Atlanta Falcons. Carter has three seasons with four-or-more sacks, but has never accumulated more than five QB takedowns in a single campaign.
Oladejo immediately possesses more upside and athleticism than Carter does. The Titans are obviously invested in Oladejo's development. With Carter on a one-year contract, he may be competing for a roster spot as opposed to a starting gig.