The Tennessee Titans are having major issues at cornerback right now. The main culprit was Mike Borgonzi's decision to trade Jarvis Brownlee and Roger McCreary in season. The start of the Titans' issues at corner could be traced back to what felt like a harmless offseason move, however.
Borgonzi arrived as GM and immediately began undoing many of his predecessor's decisions. Borgonzi's first glaring move was to release starting cornerback Chido Awuzie from his contract after an injury-riddled 2024 season. Awuzie had been signed by Ran Carthon to a three-year, $36 million contract.
Awuzie was met with a lukewarm market in free agency, initially proving the Titans right to cut him from a $36 million agreement. He signed a one-year deal with the Baltimore Ravens worth just $1.25 million. Awuzie is currently thriving with the Ravens though, while the Titans are playing waiver-wire claims at cornerback.
Former Titans CB Chido Awuzie is having career-best season with Ravens
The 6-5 Ravens are making a late-season playoff push after defeating the New York Jets in Week 12. A once-struggling defense has shown drastic improvement in recent weeks. Awuzie's form has helped spearhead a resurgence.
Pro Football Focus has credited Awuzie with allowing 16 receptions on 31 targets for 178 yards and one touchdown. The former Colorado Buffaloes standout is allowing a completion percentage of just 51.6 percent. Awuzie has logged five pass breakups and opposing quarterbacks are enjoying a passer rating of just 79.8 when targeting him.
Meanwhile the Titans are slated to enter the offseason needing to acquire two or three starting-caliber cornerbacks. Jalyn Armour-Davis and Darrell Baker Jr. have been struggling on the outside and aren't long-term starters. Rookie sixth-round draft pick Marcus Harris is showing promise at nickel corner, but it's too early to guarantee him a starting role in 2026.
Had the Titans given Awuzie another chance, he'd be entering a contract year in 2026, but as a solution at a major position of need.