The Tennessee Titans made the surprising decision to trade cornerback Jarvis Brownlee Jr. to the New York Jets on Tuesday. It was especially curious given the compensation received back was simply a late-round pick swap in the 2026 NFL Draft. The rebuilding Titans, who already have various roster holes, created another one for themselves.
Brownlee was a sophomore starter. He was playing at a starting-caliber level. The Titans needed more players like him on cost-controlled rookie contracts, not less.
Alas, Brownlee was traded, presumably because he was deemed a poor culture fit for the Mike Borgonzi and Chad Brinker-run Titans. Cornerback, among several other premium positions, will be among their 2025 offseason needs. Following the Brownlee trade, the Titans must now strongly consider signing cornerback Roger McCreary to a contract extension.
Titans must sign Roger McCreary to extension following stunning Jarvis Brownlee trade
The Brownlee trade all but guarantees the Titans will be searching for at least one starting cornerback next offseason. The expensive L'Jarius Sneed is a realistic cut/trade candidate, too. Sneed's potential departure would mean the Titans need two starting cornerbacks. Addressing that may be difficult for a GM who has additional holes all over his offense and defense.
McCreary is in a contract year. Letting him walk could legitimately mean the Titans need an entirely new trio of starting cornerbacks next season, nickel included. Re-signing McCreary to a reasonable extension would remove something from Borgonzi's lengthy to-do list.
McCreary has been his usual stellar self through three games. The former Auburn standout has allowed 11 receptions in coverage for 125 yards and zero touchdowns, per Pro Football Focus. He's also notched one interception and one pass breakup.
The unforeseen Brownlee trade created another long-term hole for the Titans. Borgonzi shouldn't continue creating additional needs to address next offseason. Signing McCreary to an extension should be a top priority.