The biggest surprise on the Tennessee Titans' initial 53-man roster was the inclusion of undrafted offensive tackle Brandon Crenshaw-Dickson. The rookie blocker was one of five offensive tackles to make the first official iteration of the 2025 team. Taking a deeper look into the Crenshaw-Dickson situation, there was a clear reason why general manager Mike Borgonzi kept him.
Sources indicate the Titans were afraid that Crenshaw-Dickson would have been claimed by another team on waivers had they exposed him to the process. Evidence around the league strongly supports that argument. The Kansas City Chiefs waived an undrafted tackle, Esa Pole, who was claimed by the New York Jets.
Offensive tackles are always in high demand. Three offensive linemen were traded for 2027 or 2028 draft picks instead of being cut, including D-II sophomore player Michael Jerrell. Had the Titans waived Crenshaw-Dickson, they almost certainly would have lost him on waivers, so Borgonzi found creative ways to keep him.
Titans found creative way to retain rookie OT Brandon Crenshaw-Dickson
Since initially setting the 53-man roster, the Titans have continued to improve its depth. Five total players were added to the active roster via waiver claims and free agency. To make room for those additions, the players waived or released included two offensive linemen, Corey Levin and John Ojwuku.
Once again, Crenshaw-Dickson survived, and once again, it was about Borgonzi being creative. The veteran Levin wasn't exposed to waivers and immediately re-signed to the Titans' practice squad. The Titans have waived Ojukwu several times in the past and he's always cleared waivers, so they liked their chances of getting him back on the practice squad.
The Titans loved Crenshaw-Dickson in undrafted free agency. That was evident when they signed him to a contract that included $255,000 in guarantees, per Spotrac. They continue to be impressed with Crenshaw-Dickson's development as a future NFL offensive tackle, and they found a way to ensure he stayed on their roster.