Given the circumstances, the 2026 NFL Scouting Combine was set up to be the perfect stage for some big moves and fun rumors, but no one expected the Tennessee Titans to take center stage.
Despite the prospect meetings and the dozen or so interviews for GM Mike Borgonzi and new head coach Robert Saleh, the duo found enough time in their schedule to make some seismic shifts in the roster.
First, the team cut starting center Lloyd Cushenberry and starting safety Xavier Woods. That windfall was shortlived though, because the next day the team traded defensive tackle T'Vondre Sweat for New York Jets EDGE, Jermaine Johnson.
That is a lot of roster shuffling in a short period of time, and there are still massive moves in the works, like new deals for Jeffery Simmons and Peter Skoronski, and likely cuts for Calvin Ridley and L'Jarius Sneed.
Taking all of that information in and factoring in the team's likely moves, this is how the Titans should view their needs this offseason.
Tier one: Multiple major investments are needed
1. Cornerback: The Titans now only have one position on the roster where they need to find multiple starters, but the market isn't exactly overflowing with cheap, talented cornerbacks. Saleh has always found ways to make do with whatever talent he is given, and he has proven he doesn't need an elite cornerback (though he can make one if given the chance, as he did with Sauce Gardner), but he still needs two real starters to function. The Chiefs traded Trent McDuffie to the Rams for a first-round pick and more, so the price here is high.
Tier two: One major investment is needed
2. EDGE: Trading for Jermaine Johnson is a massive move and it can't be praised enough. Even if you liked T'Vondre Sweat, this qualifies as an offer that should blow the Titans away, considering that he is a proven fit for Saleh's scheme. How well does he fit? Well, Saleh tried to trade a top-100 pick for him when he was with the San Francisco 49ers last year, but the Jets wouldn't trade him for less than a second.
The Titans could feel "okay" with a team that has Johnson, Femi Oladejo, and Jaylen Harrell, but adding a blue-chip draft prospect or a big-name free agent would turn this defensive line into a powerhouse.
3. Wide Receiver: A tricky position because Chimere Dike and Elic Ayomanor may have what it takes to be solid receivers, but they are going to earn reps. How much can the Titans sink into this position before they step on their own toes? With Ridley likely on the way out, they have room for at least one big acquisition, and the right one could be enough to bring the entire group up. The Bills acquired DJ Moore from the Bears for a second-round pick.
4. Center: Cutting Cushenberry is a move that the Titans could only make if they had a backup plan in mind. They certainly need a veteran center who isn't trying to adjust to the speed of the game to protect Cam Ward, but Corey Levin will likely be brought back to give them a solid floor at the position.
Tier three: Moderate investment(s) needed
5. Defensive tackle: With Sweat gone, the Titans are free to bring in a defensive tackle that fits Saleh's defense much better. Keep an eye on bringing back someone like Sebastian Joseph-Day and signing John Franklin-Myers, who thrived with Saleh during their time together and who can play that DE/DT hybrid role.