Latest Titans roster moves continue turning a new leaf, bury failed past

The Tennessee Titans have continued churning their team even after submitting their initial 53-man roster and 12-man practice squad. General manager Ran Carthon has been among the busiest decision-makers in the entire league. With so much going on, we decided to recap some of Carthon's roster moves that may have flown under your radar.

Traded Malik Willis to the Green Bay Packers

The Titans traded quarteback Malik Willis to the Green Bay Packers in exchange for a 2025 seventh-round pick, admitting defeat on the former third -round selection. The Titans will keep just two quarterbacks on the active roster this season. Mason Rudolph was signed to be Will Levis' backup, a move that deemed Willis as surplus.

Acquired Ernest Jones IV from the LA Rams

Carthon's biggest blockbuster on cut-down day was acquiring linebacker Ernest Jones IV (along with a 2026 sixth-round pick) from the Los Angeles Rams for a 2026 fifth-round selection. Jones will immediately step into a starting role next to summer free-agent signing Kenneth Murray. The move pushes Jack Gibbens, Otis Reese, and James Williams further down the depth chart.

Lost Hassan Haskins to a waiver claim

The Titans outright released running back Hassan Haskins. On Wednesday, head coach Brian Callahan admitted he lost the RB3 job to Julius Chestnut, who was far more productive during the preseason. It's unclear if the Titans wanted Haskins back on their practice squad, but they were denied that opportunity because the Los Angeles Chargers claimed him on waivers in a move that reunites him with his college coach Jim Harbaugh.

Lost rookie K Brayden Narveson to a waiver claim

It was always going to be extremely difficult to sneak rookie kicker Brayden Narveson onto the practice squad after he drilled a 59-yard field goal and 46-yard game winner in Week 2 of the preseason. Narveson was claimed by the Packers, who made him their starting kicker. The Titans are sticking with veteran Nick Folk. Hopefully this one doesn't come back to bite Tennessee.

Claimed DE Ali Gaye off waivers

Carthon made a minor change to his pass rush by claiming defensive end Ali Gaye off waivers from his division rival Houston Texans. Carthon said Gaye is versatile enough to rush from two-and-three-point stances. He's lengthy and rangy with developmental upside.

Released OLB Rashad Weaver

Fourth-year EDGE Rashad Weaver was the player released to make room for Gaye. Weaver could be brought back onto the Titans' practice squad, or perhaps even the 53-man roster when moves are finalized elsewhere. It's also possible this concludes his Titans journey considering he was outright replaced by Gaye, an unproven player.

Claimed S Julius Wood off waivers

The other Titans waiver claim was former Dallas Cowboys rookie undrafted safety Julius Wood. Wood displayed terrific ball skills and instincts throughout the preseason, forcing three turnovers. The reason why Tennessee claimed a safety was revealed hours later.

Traded Elijah Molden to the LA Chargers

Wood will replace Elijah Molden, who was traded to the Los Angeles Chargers in exchange for a 2026 seventh-round selection. Molden was presumably unhappy with being bumped down the depth chart by Quandre Diggs and Jamal Adams. He'll reunite with ex Titans Kristian Fulton, Bud Dupree, and Teair Tart in LA.

TE Nick Vannett is still on the team

The Titans released veteran tight end Nick Vannett on Wednesday to create room for Gaye and Wood, but Carthon quickly confirmed it was procedural and that Vannett will be re-added to the active roster shortly. It was surprising when the Titans retained five tight ends on the initial roster. It appears the Titans are sticking by that decision for now.

Rookie LB Cedric Gray is going on IR

It was a tad unexpected when rookie linebacker Cedric Gray made the 53-man roster as opposed to being placed on IR considering he missed the majority of training camp with a nerve-related issue in his shoulder. For whatever reason, Gray will now be placed on IR, Carthon said on Thursday. There's no known advantage to waiting to submit initial 53-man rosters before placing a player on IR since the league changed the rules to allow IR-recalls.

Tennessee's roster will stand at 52 once Gray officially shifts to IR, meaning Carthon will make another acquisition soon. A cornerback or defensive linemen is likely.