When the Tennessee Titans unveiled their initial 53-man roster on Sunday, fans were perplexed by the decision to include offensive tackle Austin Deculus. On Monday, general manager Mike Borgonzi quickly made four additional moves. Having to cut four players to make room, Deculus still somehow remained.
The Titans added Owen Pappoe (LB), Terrell Burgess (S), Nazir Stackhouse (DT), and Melvin Smith to the roster. To make room, they waived Xavier Restrepo (WR), Erick Hallett II (CB), Mo Diabate (LB), and Jerrick Reed (II). Those were like-for-like moves.
Well, a fifth move has since trickled through. The Titans also signed veteran offensive tackle James Hudson to the 53-man roster, the team confirmed via Jim Wyatt. Deculus was released as the corresponding decision, confirming the move the fanbase hoped to see.
Tennessee Titans release OT Austin Deculus; replace him with OT James Hudson
Deculus was initially signed to compete for the swing tackle role behind starters JC Latham and Dan Moore Jr. The problem? He was dreadful throughout training camp and the preseason. Even though he was going up against backups, Pro Football Focus credited Deculus with allowing three preseason sacks en route to a pass-blocking grade of 45.1.
Sophomore blocker Brandon Crenshaw-Dickson quickly replaced Deculus as the swing tackle. During the preseason, Crenshaw-Dickson was seen at practice working higher up the pecking order. He was also included in the initial 53-man roster.
Deculus was outright released from the Titans' roster. Because he's a vested veteran, the former sixth-round selection out of LSU does not have to clear waivers. Deculus is immediately free to sign with any team of his choosing.
Hudson joins the Titans after being released by the New England Patriots. The former Michigan and Cincinnati standout has appeared in 60 career NFL games with 19 starts. The 6-foot-5, 313-pound Hudson previously played for Titans offensive line coach Carmen Bricillo with the New York Giants, where he was teammates with starting center Austin Schlottmann.
Hudson had an overall offensive grade of 65.5 from PFF throughout the preseason, with a 62.6 in pass protection. The former fourth-round blocker has also struggled throughout his career, which is why he's available in late August.
Deculus was totally unplayable for the Titans this offseason. Hudson gives the Titans more upside, and he's familiar with Brian Daboll's offense and Coach Bricillo's scheme. That alone probably makes him better suited to be a backup tackle.
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