NASHVILLE, Tenn. — The Tennessee Titans have made significant moves ahead of the NFL trade deadline, kicking off their trading activities on Wednesday to acquire additional draft picks. This comes during a challenging season for the franchise, which has started 1-5—a record that marks their worst beginning since 2015, a year that led to Ken Whisenhunt’s dismissal after starting 1-6 in his second season. As they prepare to face Detroit on Sunday, the Titans are on the brink of potentially dropping to 1-6 once again.
Head coach Brian Callahan was unable to discuss the trades during a midday press conference, as the transactions weren’t yet finalized. He acknowledged the tumultuous nature of the NFL business and indicated that the team finds itself in this situation due to its current struggles. “That’s part of our life in the league,” Callahan stated, reflecting on the unexpected need to make such moves after the team aggressively pursued players in free agency.
One of the major trades saw the Titans send three-time All-Pro wide receiver DeAndre Hopkins to the Kansas City Chiefs. Reports suggest that Tennessee will continue to pay a portion of Hopkins’ salary. Additionally, a conditional fifth-round draft pick will convert to a fourth-rounder if the Chiefs make it to the Super Bowl for the fifth time in six seasons.
In another move, the Titans traded linebacker Ernest Jones Jr., their second-leading tackler, to the Seattle Seahawks. In return, they received linebacker Jerome Baker along with a fourth-round pick. This marks a brief tenure for Jones, who joined the Titans from the Rams just months ago and is now in the last year of his rookie contract. Despite his strong defensive performance with the Rams last season, he played only six games for Tennessee, starting in five of them.
The trade involving Jones will provide the Titans with a fourth-round pick for April’s draft and a sixth-rounder for 2026, all while adding Baker to the roster at the expense of a future fifth-rounder. Baker, at 27 years old, has considerable experience, starting 87 of the 99 games he played and recently signed a one-year deal with Seattle.
Titans defensive lineman Jeffery Simmons expressed his regret over not being able to say goodbye to Hopkins before he left, stating that he managed to reach out via FaceTime. Simmons highlighted the loss of both players, indicating their importance to the team. As the Titans navigate this transition, they now hold eight draft selections for the upcoming April draft, positioning themselves to potentially secure their highest pick since 2017.
Amid these changes, Coach Callahan emphasized the team’s commitment to winning as many games as possible as they seek to evaluate second-year quarterback Will Levis. There are indications that Levis might miss a second straight game to allow his shoulder, which he previously injured, to heal. He only managed to throw for 95 yards in his return against the Colts following the bye week.
Levis typically meets with reporters on Wednesdays, but both he and Mason Rudolph are expected to speak on Thursday instead. The Titans also have potential trade assets in linebacker Harold Landry, who has recorded four sacks this season and has an option in his contract that could allow him to leave after this year.
Additionally, the Titans are in the process of deciding whether to move rookie linebacker Cedric Gray, who has been on injured reserve due to a shoulder injury, to the active roster. Callahan underscored the importance of the front office focusing on the future while reinforcing that the players’ and coaches’ primary aim remains to win games now. “There’s still a whole locker room of guys down here that are playing hard,” said Callahan, emphasizing the team’s spirit and commitment to seizing opportunities moving forward.
Injury updates noted that offensive tackle Jaelyn Duncan (hamstring), wide receiver Calvin Ridley (foot), and cornerback L’Jarius Sneed (quadriceps) did not participate in practice. Levis was limited, along with running back Tyjae Spears, who is also dealing with a hamstring issue.
