On Tuesday, the Tennessee Titans started the process of shaping their 53-man roster. After waiving players, claiming players on waivers, signing free agents, and filling out the practice squad, the team has the first iteration of its 53-man roster.
No one is certain where the ceiling is for this roster, but it is undoubtedly more talented than the 2024 version. Still, analyzing the current iteration still feels incomplete. It looks like a roster that is still in a holding pattern while still searching for opportunities to improve.
The obvious concern is at EDGE. Despite making a flurry of transactions in recent days, the Titans declined to upgrade their depth at the position, instead keeping Jalyn Harrell and Jihad Ward.
One more move could complete 2025 Titans defense
That decision has prompted fans to suggest the Titans could have the NFL's worst collection of EDGEs. The Titans have various backup-level rushers and no true alpha. A bunch of role players without anyone who truly requires special attention from opposing offensive linemen.
Luckily, there is plenty of EDGE talent on the market if the Titans are willing to pay the price. Za'Darius Smith seems to be ready to sign with a "contender," while players like Preston Smith, Jadeveon Clowney, and DeMarcus Walker all seem available.
However, there is a chance the Titans don't see the need to add an EDGE. The Titans made a very conscious effort to invest in bigger, bulkier EDGEs this offseason, regardless of their ability to get to the quarterback. They got bigger and stouter.
Dennard Wilson's resume is filled with defenses that featured blitz-heavy schemes where the DC manufactured pressures. He's coached in systems that placed emphasis on EDGEs rushing with discipline. If that's the case, then maybe it's more important for the Titans' defense to have a deep secondary filled with players who can be trusted in coverage.
If that's the approach, the Titans could look into a player like Asante Samuel Jr. Samuel is about to turn 26, and the only reason that he isn't already on a roster is that he is recovering from neck surgery. The latest reports indicate that he is going to get checked out again in October and that he is eyeing a return in the second half of the season.
An update on Asante Samuel: He's scheduled to undergo a CT scan in October to ensure successful spinal fusion. At that point, he will look to sign with a team for the second half of the year. Several teams have kept in touch. https://t.co/KveeGOJeuB
— Jeremy Fowler (@JFowlerESPN) August 26, 2025
Would Samuel consider joining the Titans in October? That may depend on play time and opportunity. Would the Titans even be interested? That could depend on L'Jarius Sneed's form and availability.
Sneed is trending toward playing in the Titans' Week 1 matchup against the Denver Broncos, but trusting him to stay healthy is a different story. Tennessee's cornerbacks will be asked to cover for extended periods of time if the EDGEs can't get to the quarterback.
The Titans should strongly consider signing an EDGE. Instead, if they're insistent on trying to get to the quarterback by blitzing and trusting their cornerbacks, then they need better depth at cornerback.