The Tennessee Titans have struggled to apply consistent pressure on quarterbacks this season. Granted they possessed a Week 5 bye, placing them at a disadvantage, but Dennard Wilson's defense has recorded a 25th-ranked nine sacks through four contests. Harold Landry has been by far the Titans' most productive pass rusher with four quarterback takedowns. No other defender has more than two.
The Titans are getting terrific backfield penetration from rookie defensive tackle T'Vondre Sweat, but they need more from Jeffery Simmons and Arden Key. Entering a critical Week 6 AFC South showdown versus the Indianapolis Colts this Sunday, the Titans are looking for pass-rushing help. They worked out veteran defensive ends Shaq Lawson and Terrell Lewis earlier this week, according to NFL insider Aaron Wilson.
#TItans worked out Shaq Lawson and Terrell Lewis
— Aaron Wilson (@AaronWilson_NFL) October 7, 2024
Shaq Lawson
Lawson is a 30-year-old veteran that entered the league as a first-round pick in the 2016 NFL Draft. Though he's arguably never lived up to those expectations, he's been a consistent performer for a number of years. Lawson has recorded 26 career sacks in 109 appearances.
Lawson played for the Buffalo Bills last season. He flashed signs of decline, accumulating a career-low one sack in 16 regular-season games. Pro Football Focus assigned Lawson a pass-rushing grade of 55.0. He recorded 16 pressures, finishing eighth on the defense.
Terrell Lewis
Lewis played college football at Alabama and was a third-round selection of the Los Angeles Rams in the 2020 NFL Draft. Lewis has been a journeyman ever since, also enduring stints with the Chicago Bears, New Orleans Saints, and Philadelphia Eagles. The former Crimson Tide standout was waived by the Eagles during final cuts in August.
Lewis appeared in all three preseason games in Philadelphia, recording one sack. Lewis recorded six quarterback takedowns in three seasons with the Rams, but he was released before concluding his four-year rookie contract. The Titans were likely searching for any untapped potential that remains.
The Titans have posted a pass-rush-win-rate (PRWR) of just 39%, which ranks 20th in the league, according to ESPN Stats & Info. Wilson's defense hasn't received any production from rotational pass rushers like sophomore undrafted free agent Caleb Murphy, and rookie seventh-round pick Jaylen Harrell, who have combined for zero pressures despite playing 95 total snaps. Ali Gaye also hasn't scored a pressure through 15 snaps.
Lawson and/or Lewis could first join the Titans' practice squad if they impressed during their workouts. If so, it shouldn't take them long to overtake Harrell, Murphy, and Gaye behind Landry and Key.