The Tennessee Titans have been incredibly active in free agency. Mike Borgonzi has acquired upwards of 10 players. Despite working overtime, one huge offseason hole that has gone somewhat unaddressed is present at EDGE.
The Titans did trade for defensive end Jermaine Johnson II. Despite enduring a disappointing 2025 season after a 2024 Achilles injury, he projects as a starter for Robert Saleh, who previously coached him in New York. The Titans have been busy collecting former Jets, John Franklin-Myers, and recent trade acquisition Solomon Thomas included.
The Titans made their first free-agency signing at EDGE on Wednesday afternoon. The team agreed to terms with former Kansas City Chiefs defensive lineman Malik Herring, according to various reports. That isn't the EDGE acquisition Titans fans were anticipating, and it does not eliminate the ongoing concern at the position.
Titans sign EDGE Malik Herring, who does not solve their problem
Borgonzi was with the Chiefs when they signed Herring as an undrafted free agent. That's undoubtedly the connection that brings Herring to Tennessee. It's difficult to envision him developing into a contributor though.
The former Georgia standout played just six defensive snaps in 2025. Herring did not record any statistics. The Chiefs released him in November, and he quickly signed to their practice squad.
Herring's best season occurred in 2023. He played 163 snaps and notched 1.5 sacks, the only quarterback takedowns of his career to date. Herring earned another 194 snaps in 2024. He was a member of the Chiefs' rotation then.
Johnson is currently the Titans' top EDGE on the roster. Jaylen Harrell and Femi Oladejo also project as role players. It's difficult to envision Herring even making the 53-man roster.
Herring is the Titans' first offseason signing that doesn't project as a 2026 contributor. Borgonzi is rolling the dice on a developmental talent he's familiar with. The Titans' massive need at EDGE still exists.