Nicholas Petit-Frere and 3 Titans who are nearing the end of their Nashville tenure

It's been a difficult campaign for the 3-8 Tennessee Titans, despite Sunday's upset victory over the Houstn Texans. General manager Ran Carthon began leaving his thumbprints on the post-Mike-Vrabel roster last offseason, but it's clear that additional turnover is required for the rebuilding Titans to reach the next step. Carthon is surely prepping for another busy summer in the talent acquisition department.

Several underperforming players won't rejoin the Titans in 2025. Some aging veterans on expiring contracts should be swapped out for ascending talents. Elsewhere, younger prospects who haven't developed during their rookie deals could be outright released.

We've identified four Titans who shouldn't return next season.

Nicholas Petit-Frere, OT

The Titans were hoping that Nicholas Petit-Frere could solve their issue at right tackle this season. The former third-round pick from Ohio State has come nowhere near achieving that. In fact, Petit-Frere has been benched on several occasions for poor performance. Head coach Brian Callahan flat-out admitted NPF has played poorly. Pro Football Focus has credited him with allowing nine sacks and 32 pressures.

Petit-Frere will enter a contract season in 2025. The Titans will have surely upgraded the right tackle position via free agency or the NFL Draft. Petit-Frere shouldn't be assured a roster spot, and the Titans could save nearly $1.5 million against the cap by releasing him, per OverTheCap.

Nick Folk, K

Nick Folk has been outstanding for the Titans this season. He's undeniably been the MVP of what's otherwise a disastrous special teams unit. The reliable kicker has successfully converted 17-of-18 field goal attempts this campaign, including a perfect three-for-three from 50-plus yards in Sunday's upse5 over the Texans.

Folk is also a 40-year old kicker playing on an expiring contract for a 3-8 franchise. If Folk is interested in continuing his playing career next season, he'll likely search for a better opportunity to play for a legitimate Super Bowl contender. The Titans have unfortunately wasted his services throughout 2024.

Quandre Diggs, S

The Titans signed veteran safety Quandre Diggs to a one-year contract in August to pair opposite Amani Hooker. Diggs was outstanding prior to suffering a season-ending foot injury in early November. He racked up 42 tackles before going on IR.

The aging Diggs could be tempted to test free agency for a second consecutive offseason. The Titans may be interested in pairing Hooker with more of a long-term solution at safety. This decision will depend on Diggs' willingness to continue playing for a rebuilding franchise.

Jerome Baker, LB

Carthon acquired Jerome Baker (and a 2025 fourth-round pick) in a midseason trade with the Seattle Seahawks that sent Ernest Jones IV the other way. Baker was essentially a throw-in. He initially struggled to dethrone Jack Gibbens for a starting gig. It took a season-ending injury to Gibbens for him to actually get on the field defensively.

Baker is on an expiring contract and the Titans have a couple of rookie linebackers worth developing. Cedric Gray and James Williams should factor into Tennessee's offseason plans at off-ball linebacker. Baker will likely be searching for a fresh opportunity in free agency after having no say in his midseason move to Nashville.