The Tennessee Titans were stunned by Lorenzo Carter's abrupt retirement earlier this week. Carter decided to hang up his cleats before even taking a snap for the Titans, calling it quits on the eve of training camp. Though general manager Mike Borgonzi initially claimed he wouldn't immediately replace the retired pass rusher, that's precisely what he did on Monday evening.
The Titans have agreed to terms with veteran defensive end Jihad Ward, according to a report by Jordan Schultz.
Sources: The #Titans are signing former #Vikings LB Jihad Ward.
— Jordan Schultz (@Schultz_Report) July 24, 2025
Ward played in all 17 games last season with Minnesota and has 19 career sacks. pic.twitter.com/xADSl9Pzxf
Ward appeared in all 17 contests for the Minnesota Vikings last season. The former Illinois standout recorded 10 tackles and one sack. That strongly suggests he won't solve the Titans' pass-rushing woes. In more positive news, Ward totaled 31 quarterback pressures and played a hefty 467 snaps, accounting for 41.11 percent of the Vikings' defensive snaps.
Jihad Ward won't solve Titans' pass-rushing problems
Ward recorded five sacks as a member of the New York Giants in 2023. The 10-year pro has accumulated 19 career QB takedowns. He's likely to play an early-down role in Tennessee, which is perhaps what Carter was destined for before retiring.
Ward is listed at 6-foot-5 and approximately 285 pounds. The Titans planned to get bigger, stronger, and stouter at EDGE this offseason. Ward fits the profile, though his run defense grade throughout 2024 was a lackluster 39.7, according to Pro Football Focus.
Dennard Wilson's defense recorded the third-fewest sacks in the NFL last season. Veteran Arden Key, free-agent signing Dre'Mont Jones, and second-round rookie Femi Oladejo will make up the EDGE position this year. Ward will presumably replace Carter as the fourth option on the depth chart.
Ward isn't a high-level pass rusher, and his addition won't solve their main problem. The Titans likely envision an early-down role for the veteran defensive end, though he'll need to be more effective versus the run than he was last season. Ward will compete for a roster spot throughout training camp and the preseason.