Looking back, I realize shipping Roger McCreary to the Rams made sense. The cornerback was set to hit free agency, and the Titans needed to start shaping their roster for the future. That trade was the first domino in what could be a broader strategic reset for Tennessee.
With a (1-7) record and inconsistency on both sides of the ball, it’s becoming clear that the Titans should keep selling. Outside of foundational stars Jeffery Simmons and rookie quarterback Cam Ward, nearly every player on the roster should be available for the right price.
Trade Candidates to Watch
Dre’Mont Jones continues to be one of the few bright spots in the trenches. He has registered a sack in three straight games and remains a disruptive presence up front. But with his contract expiring after the season, he’s a logical trade chip for contenders seeking defensive line help.
If healthy, both Arden Key and Calvin Ridley could draw interest before the deadline. Ridley’s explosiveness makes him a valuable target for teams lacking playmakers, while Key’s versatility as a pass rusher could fit seamlessly into a rotational role elsewhere.
Tony Pollard is another name to watch.
The veteran running back has struggled to find consistency in Tennessee’s offense, and with Tyjae Spears waiting in the wings, the Titans could offload Pollard to a team in need of backfield depth while expanding Spears’ role as the feature back.
Reshaping the Offense
Trading tight end Chig Okonkwo would be another move that signals commitment to a youth-driven rebuild. While talented, Okonkwo’s departure would open more targets for rookie tight end Gunnar Helm, who has shown promising flashes in limited opportunities.
Veteran guard Kevin Zeitler could also be a valuable trade piece. The Titans would take an immediate hit in pass protection, but parting ways with Zeitler, another pending free agent, could position the team for long-term cap flexibility and a younger offensive core around Ward.
The Long-Term Vision
Cam Ward has shown moments of brilliance, but the surrounding roster still lacks stability and playmaking depth. A few calculated trades now could accelerate Tennessee’s transition from a retool to a legitimate rebuild.
The Titans have been stuck in the middle for too long. Moving veterans for draft capital is not a sign of surrender; it’s a strategic decision to reshape a team around Ward’s potential and Simmons’ defensive dominance.
Tennessee’s next few days (Nov. 4) could determine how the team moves past this God awful roster.
