The Tennessee Titans spent the beginning of the NFL free agency period working hard to improve their offensive line. New general manager Mike Borgonzi shelled out more than $80 million in total value to sign left tackle Dan Moore Jr. to a four-year contract. That move essentially altered both offensive tackle spots heading into the 2025 season, with JC Latham now slated to move over to the right side.
It officially removed Nicholas Petit-Frere from the starting lineup. On Thursday, the Titans finally admitted the inevitable by releasing Petit-Frere from his contract.
Titans release OT Nicholas Petit-Frere
The #Titans have waived former third-round pick OT Nicholas Petit-Frere.
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) April 17, 2025
The No. 69 overall selection in the 2022 NFL Draft, Petit-Frere was abysmal last season. The former Ohio State standout was assigned blame for allowing 10 sacks, ranking 139th out of 141 qualifying blockers, according to Pro Football Focus despite playing just 614 snaps at right tackle. Discipline was another issue altogether as he was also whistled for 10 penalties, finishing 122nd of 141. Petit-Frere was benched on multiple occasions by first-year head coach Brian Callahan, who searched high and low for a solution at right tackle.
Petit-Frere was ultimately assigned a horrid grade of 42.8 in pass protection. He fared no better as a run blocker considering his overall grade was 46.5. Petit-Frere allowed 41 total pressures, as both quarterbacks Will Levis and Mason Rudolph were on high alert when he was tasked with protecting them in the passing game.
Petit-Frere entered 2024 training camp as the favorite to win the right tackle job despite being initially hampered by offseason surgery. It was an unceremonious competition that included other late-round draft picks and undrafted free agents such as Jaelyn Duncan and John Ojukwu. Petit-Frere easily won the job, but struggled to keep it.
The Titans will now have a new swing tackle in 2025 behind Moore Jr. and Latham. Duncan and Ojukwu are currently on the roster, but aren't guaranteed to make the team out of preseason. Borgonzi did sign Blake Hance in free agency, who has previously played both guard and tackle for offensive line coach Bill Callahan. The Titans could also opt to select a developmental tackle in the 2025 NFL Draft.
The move to release Petit-Frere saves $3.406 million in salary cap space (and cash).