Looking at the majority of the grading for the moves newly appointed Titans GM Mike Borgonzi has made in the offseason, including a C- from PFF, it appears that Tennesee has at best, been mediocre with their signings in free agency. However, without anyone realizing it, Tennesee created the structure of an offense that could potentially be explosive.

While it may be true that the Titans are lacking in offensive weapons, particularly in the Quarterback position, with some intelligent signings and draft picks, Brian Callahan may have something to work with next season.

How the Titans Are Quietly Rebuilding Their Offense in Free Agency

How The Titans Have Subtly Created A Top Offense

During his time as an assistant general manager to the Kansas City Chiefs dynasty, Borgonzi was referred to as the Chiefs, and Andy Reid’s secret weapon as they became one of the most successful franchises in the history of the sport.

One of the main reasons behind this success was the offensive line that the Titans GM played a pivotal role in building, including the likes of 3x Pro Bowler and 2x Super Bowl champion Creed Humphrey, and 2024 Pro Bowler Trey Smith, who recently signed a deal for 4 years worth $23 million per year.

With the Titans having to be selective in who they sign in this year’s Free Agency, the General Manager has already been working on improving this Tennesee side in the trenches in the lead-up to the Draft.

How Have The Titans Revamped Their Offensive Line?

Center: Lloyd Cushenberry III

Alongside the newest recruitments the Tennesee Titans made in free agency, they’ll also be bolstered next season with the return of Lloyd Cushenberry III, the young Center they spent significant money on in the 2024 offseason.

Cushenberry, who the Titans picked up from the Denver Broncos,  on a four-year deal, suffered a season-ending injury in week 9 after registering a tear in his Achilles Tendon, before his injury, however. The Titans Center played every single offensive snap and registered a single fumble recovery.

The Titans offensive lineman was also widely regarded as one of the best centers in the league during his stint with the Broncos according to PFF, with a 99.1 pass-blocking efficiency rating, the second highest in the NFL at the time.

Right Guard: Kevin Zeitler

With one of the finest bargain pickups of free agency, Tenesse managed to land Kevin Zeitler on a one-year deal worth 9$ Million.

As a veteran who made 16 appearances in the regular season for the Number One seeded Detriot Lions, the new Titans recruit had a career-best year with an 87.2 PFF run-blocking grade, ranking third overall out of all the guards in the division.

The Detroit Lions Guard also allowed a 5.1% pressure rate last season, the 5th lowest in the division.

Right Tackle: JC Latham

While the signing of Kevin Zeitler will most certainly improve the Titans on the right side of the line. One member of the Titans offensive line that struggled in the 2024 season was the rookie and first-round draft pick from Alabama, JC Latham.

Despite playing primarily as an RT in his college days, Latham played every snap of the 2024 season at LT. While allowing 7 sacks and 47 QB pressures across the 17-game season. With a 57.0 Run-Blocking Grade, a far cry from his college days, where he ranked 3rd in his position, with an 87.0.

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Following the pickup of Dan Moore Jr. from the Pittsburgh Steelers. Who can and is expected to take snaps as a Left Tackle for the Titans next season? JC Latham will most likely be shuffled back out to RT, where he can potentially showcase some of the talent he was regarded for during his college career.

Left Tackle: Dan Moore Jr. 

In what was one of the more egregious moves of Free Agency. The Titans paid a premium price for former Steelers Left Tackle Dan Moore Jr, agreeing on a deal worth $82 Million, with $50 Million Guaranteed.

Moore was drafted in the fourth round by the Steelers in 2021. Starting 66 games in his entire career, 17 of which in 2024, all as a Left Tackle.

With the Titans, new addition allowing the most sacks as a tackle last season, dropping $50 Million in Guaranteed money is a huge gamble.

However, one of Dan Moore Jr’s best traits is his availability, which will be a huge boost to the Titans. And combined with Brian Callahan, who is an expert at developing Offensive Linemen, this huge gamble doesn’t look as devastating.

Left Guard: Peter Skoronski

With a drastic shift occurring on the Titans offensive line in the 2025 offseason. Peter Skoronski will be one of the only members left to retain their 2024 position.

Skoronski, who was in his Sophomore season, was the Titan’s starting Left Guard in the 2024 season. The Sophmore like most of that Titans side, had an average season. With a 60.3 PFF Grade, Skoronski was particularly effective with his Pass Blocking, with a 76.3 Grade.

Where Does Tennessee Need to Improve?

With this, almost completely revamped the Offensive Line.  The Tennessee Titans are almost certainly in a much better place than they were last season. However, there are still issues that need to be addressed before this offense can contend for anything.

While the Titans undoubtedly have some top weapons in both Wide Reciever  Calvin Ridley and  Tight End Chig Okonkwo, one area that leaves a lot to be desired is the rest of the Reciever room.

Last season,  Ridley carried the offense when it came to receptions, with 1,017 yards. The Titan’s receiver corps has a lot of space following the departures of both DeAndre Hopkins earlier in the season and Nick Westbrook-Ikhine.

Tennessee has already made some strides toward solving this problem. Following the signing of Steelers Wide Reciever Van Jefferson on a 1-year deal with $2.5 Million. The former Steelers Reciever had 24 catches for 276 yards and 2 TDs last season.

A Quarterback to replace Will Levis is a priority for the Titans, who hold the first pick of the draft.

Whether it be Cam Ward, Shedeur Sanders, or another veteran third option, Tennessee must bolster its supporting cast.

While Van Jefferson is undeniably an intelligent, low-risk move. Neither he nor Tyler Boyd have proven themselves as clear-cut Wide Reciever 2, which should be the second priority for Free Agency and the Draft.

The Titans have undeniably played their cards right so far. If they can nail down these final two offensive requirements, we may see a rebuilt and superior Tennessee offense in 2025.

Main Photo: Junfu Han-USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

The post How the Titans Are Quietly Rebuilding Their Offense in Free Agency appeared first on Last Word on Pro Football.

To no surprise, the Tennessee Titans will cut cornerback Chidobe Awuzie this offseason who now becomes a free agent. According to the breaking news, the Titans are moving on from the cornerback even though the team is already thin in their secondary unit. Originally selected in the second round of the 2017 NFL Draft, the former Colorado product came into the league getting a chance with the Dallas Cowboys to compete for a start against others including Jourdan Lewis, Anthony Brown and Orlando Scandrick. Former Cowboy head coach Jason Garrett named him the fourth-string cornerback to start his rookie year but slowly began as a starter but some lingering injuries kept him out of action.

Awuzie had a better year the following season starting opposite of 2018 draft pick Byron Jones and had a few promising performances that intrigued the team to keep him in the lineup. After recording 57 solo tackles, 11 pass deflections, one interception and one fumble in his sophomore season, the Cowboys found some life in their struggling secondary. However, it didn’t last long until COVID came around and injuries continued to pile during the 2020 season but the Bengals gave him a new starting opportunity.

Awuzie has been battling injuries for most of his NFL Career so it looks like the cornerback will have to settle for a backup role. He surprisingly made the cut as a starter last season with the Titans opposite L’Jarius Sneed since the trade. However, this upcoming season is most likely a different story.

Breaking: Titans Cut Former Second Round Bust Chidobe Awuzie – 3 Possible Next Teams

Potential Destinations

Dallas Cowboys

The secondary for the Dallas Cowboys will look completely different next season as the team lost Jourdan Lewis to the Jacksonville Jaguars. The Cowboys made up for it by trading for Kaiir Elam to give some depth behind Trevon Diggs who wasn’t the same the past 2024 campaign. However, the team could use some more help for DaRon Bland as Awuzie probably won’t start for Dallas again.

Awuzie isn’t going to be the same force he had with Dallas as he did in his second season but it reunites him in this secondary unit. The Cowboys can’t depend on Diggs forever as he’s been a part of trade rumors so it’ll be an interesting development as it all unfolds.

New Orleans Saints

After losing Marshon Lattimore in a trade last year, the Saints have yet to find a capable veteran to withhold the secondary unit. New Orleans was without Paulson Adebo as well with a season-ending injury but the team is now losing him to the Giants this offseason since signing a new deal. Kool-Aid McKinstry isn’t ready for large duties as he’s still developing so the Saints need some type of replacement. While the team did well in the safety unit acquiring Justin Reid somehow with their cap space, they need a veteran to replicate the success Reid had.

Awuzie might not be the ideal solution for the Saints but as the market is getting thinner and cap space, the team has no other choice.

Baltimore Ravens

The same case can be said about the Baltimore Ravens. They lost Brandon Stephens in free agency and haven’t found a capable replacement after he had one of the worst seasons either way. The Ravens restructured Marlon Humphrey’s contract so they could either sign a temporary veteran like Awuzie for relief until Nate Wiggins is ready for full-time snaps.

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Monday marked the opening day of free agency, and it took some wild and wacky turns. The Tennessee Titans were not immune, making a splash on the market with several signings during the opening salvo of free agency. Who did the franchise sign to rebuild the franchise that holds the first overall selection? How will they proceed with the subsequent several waves of free agency? Despite the waves made by the Titans, they are still flush with cap space, with $64 million in room, according to OverTheCap.

Tennessee Titans Make Splashes In First Week Of Free Agency

QB Brandon Allen

With the news that backup turned starter Mason Rudolph is returning to the wintry climes of the Three Rivers, Tennessee needed another option. Allen signed rather quickly on Thursday afternoon to be that backup option amidst a likely battle with Will Levis behind a possible draft selection. He has experience with Brian Callahan’s offense, which is a plus, and he is a tenured backup.

ILB Cody Barton

The well-traveled Barton agreed to a three-year, $21 million contract with the Titans during the opening hours of free agency on Monday. The Seahawks drafted him in the third round of the 2019 draft, where he spent four seasons to begin his career. Barton then went onto the Commanders for one year before spending 2024 with the Broncos, where he excelled in the Mile High City. The 2022 season was his high-water season, when the linebacker produced 136 combined tackles, four tackles for loss, six passes defended, two interceptions, and two sacks. PFF gave the former Utah linebacker an overall defensive grade of 63.7 last season with the Broncos. The score was good enough to rank him as the 46th-best linebacker in the league.

Linebacker turned out to be a very high priority. The Kenneth Murray signing failed to meet the billing, and Tennessee scooped up Barton. He essentially replaces the outgoing Murray, who was recently traded to the Dallas Cowboys for late-round draft compensation. The Titans needed a starter that could start next to a charcuterie board of Otis Reese, James Williams, and Cedric Gray.

WR Van Jefferson

Jefferson finally comes home to his native Tennessee on a one-year deal worth up to $2.5 million. The five-year veteran is from the Nashville suburb of Brentwood. He’s the son of former Titans wide receivers coach Shawn. He was part of a heartwarming moment when he rushed to the hospital mere minutes after winning the Super Bowl with the Rams. Los Angeles selected him in the second round of the 2020 NFL Draft. Jefferson broke out in his second year with 802 yards and six touchdowns. The former Florida Gators star produced 276 yards and two touchdowns on 24 receptions last season.

The Titans desperately need receiver help behind Calvin Ridley. As it stands, Jefferson would immediately slot in as WR2 for Tennessee. The team must add more to the position group through the draft or free agency.

EDGE Dre’Mont Jones

Tennessee needed more assistance on the perimeter after moving current Patriot Harold Landry to free agency. Enter Jones, formerly of Seattle and Denver, with a career total of 30 sacks to his name. Denver drafted the former Buckeyes lineman in the third round of the 2019 NFL Draft. He is a versatile chess piece that can play multiple positions along the line. Jones was used as an EDGE rusher by Seattle.

Jones will join Arden Key as the Titans’ starter at EDGE and has signed a one-year pact worth up to $10 million with incentives. He brings versatility to Dennard Wilson’s defense and can be used with the returning Sebastian Joseph-Day in specific packages.

OL Blake Hance

Hance is a familiar face to offensive line coach Bill Callahan. The lineman previously played for the venerated coach in Cleveland and Washington. He has played in 59 games in his career, starting 10. The former Jaguars lineman signed a one-year deal to be a versatile swing guard/tackle/center for the Titans. It will be interesting to see which backups Tennessee retains, like Dillon Radunz and Daniel Brunskill.

P Johnny Hekker

After a calamitous season filled with coaching ineptitude and injury recovery, GM Mike Borgonzi did not retain free agent Ryan Stonehouse. Instead, Tennessee pivoted to a name that new special teams coach John Fassel is familiar with. Hekker is a 13-year veteran who has played for two teams, most recently spending three seasons with the Panthers. He’s made four Pro Bowls and six All-Pro teams in his illustrious career. If trends hold, Hekker will surpass 1,000 career punts in 2024. He will replace the fan favorite Stonehouse and his cannon leg that often outkicked his coverage, leading to spectacular return opportunities. Hekker’s accuracy is hoped to lead to less disastrous outcomes for the beleaguered Titans’ special teams.

OT Dan Moore

The Titans made one of the biggest splashes in the opening hours of free agency by signing Moore to a megabucks deal worth a whopping $82 million, with $50 million guaranteed. The signing all but confirmed that rising sophomore tackle J.C. Latham would transition to the right side, where he played in college. Adding Moore provides a fix for the ongoing comedy called the Titans’ attempt at fixing the right tackle position. He was expected to have a strong market for his services, but to average $20.5 million a season is quite a boost for his bank account. However, he is 26 years old and removes a position of significant need for Tennessee to look for in the draft. Head Coach Brian Callahan proved prescient in December when he hinted at the possible Latham to right tackle move.

S Xavier Woods

Tennessee upgraded its safety unit by signing one of the iron men of football. The Titans were in need of safety help once Elijah Molden left for the Chargers and Quandre Diggs got injured last season. Woods provides that assistance next to Amani Hooker, who is a better strong safety than free safety. He’s on a cheap contract and should continue being a productive player. He started his career with the Cowboys as a sixth-round selection in the 2017 draft. Woods logged 119 combined tackles, three interceptions, and six passes defended in 2024.

G Kevin Zeitler

Zeitler is a 13-year veteran who has been one of the best guards in the league for many seasons. The Titans massively upgraded their right side during this cycle and should field a competent offensive line. He signed a one-year contract worth $9 million to help the organization move on from Dillon Radunz as a starter. Tennessee has done excellent service to whoever their next quarterback is by adding a veteran like Zeitler to the fold. The starting offensive line is projected to read as follows: Moore-Skoronski-Cushenberry-Zeitler-Latham, which is solid.

Main Photo: Steven Bisig – Imagn Images

The post Tennessee Titans Make Splashes In First Week Of Free Agency appeared first on Last Word on Pro Football.

Seven-year veteran quarterback Mason Rudolph signed a new contract with the Pittsburgh Steelers. Rudolph, a former third-round pick, spent the 2024 season with the Tennessee Titans but is best known for his time with the Pittsburgh Steelers.

A Steel City reunion: QB Mason Rudolph has agreed to a two-year, $8 million deal with $4.5 million to return to the #Steelers, sources tell me and @RapSheet.

Rudolph mulled multiple offers, including a return to the #Titans, but was motivated to head back to Pittsburgh. pic.twitter.com/wEC7gC7rgw

— Mike Garafolo (@MikeGarafolo) March 13, 2025

Mason Rudolph, Pittsburgh Steelers, Agree to Contract

After spending the first six years of his career in Pittsburgh, Rudolph left for greener pastures during the 2024 offseason. Signing with the Tennesee Titans, Rudolph entered the season as the primary backup for quarterback Will Levis. However, following a somewhat promising rookie season, Levis regressed under first-year head coach Brian Callahan and spent the year battling injuries and ineffectiveness. Rudolph eventually took over, making five starts while completing 64% of his passes for 1,530 yards, nine touchdowns, and nine interceptions.

Mason Rudolph originally entered the league as a third-round pick in the 2018 NFL Draft. Selected by the Pittsburgh Steelers, the Oklahoma State product spent his rookie year on the bench behind future Hall of Famer Ben Roethlisberger. However, Roethlisberger suffered a season-ending injury early in the 2019 season, opening the door for Rudolph to make a name for himself. Starting in eight games while making 10 appearances, Rudolph completed 62.2% of his passes for 1,765 yards, 13 touchdowns, and nine interceptions while going 5-3.

Rudolph returned to the bench for the next few seasons, playing sparingly behind an aging Ben Roethlisberger and 2022 first-round pick Kenny Pickett. However, he made his triumphant return to the lineup late in the 2023 season. Taking over for an ineffective Pickett and Mitchell Trubisky, Rudolph guided Pittsburgh to the playoffs while completing 74.3% of his passes for 719 yards, three touchdowns, and no interceptions over the final three games of the regular season.

Since signing his rookie contract, Mason Rudolph has played in 29 games while making 18 starts. While on the field, the veteran has completed 63.7% of his passes for 4,615 yards, 28 touchdowns, and 20 interceptions.

Main Photo: Denny Simmons – USA Today Sports

The post BREAKING: 4,000-Yard Passer Signs Contract With Pittsburgh Steelers appeared first on Last Word on Pro Football.

13-year veteran Kevin Zeitler signed a new contract with the Tennessee Titans. Zeitler, a one-time Pro Bowler, spent the 2024 season with the Detroit Lions but has also played for the Cincinnati Bengals, Cleveland Browns, New York Giants, and Baltimore Ravens.

[Schefter] Former Pro-Bowl guard Kevin Zeitler is signing a one-year $9 million deal with the Tennessee Titans. twitter.com/AdamSchefter…

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— NFL News Poster (@nflnewsposter.bsky.social) March 12, 2025 at 5:09 PM

Kevin Zeitler, Tennessee Titans, Agree to Contract

2024 was another strong season for the veteran guard. Signed to a one-year deal with the Detroit Lions, Zeitler became a crucial part of one of the league’s better offensive lines. Starting and appearing in 16 games, the Zeitler finished the season with an 86.8 PFF grade, the third-best mark in the league, as the Lions finished with a 15-2 record. Unfortunately, despite the strong season, Detroit went one-and-done in the playoffs following an upset loss against the Washington Commanders.

Kevin Zeitler originally entered the league as a first-round pick in the 2012 NFL Draft. Selected by the Cincinnati Bengals, the Wisconsin product spent five seasons as the team’s primary right guard. While the team had plenty of regular season success under Andy Dalton and Marvin Lewis, Cincinnati never won a playoff game during Zeitler’s tenure.

Following the expiration of his rookie contract, Kevin Zeitler signed a five-year deal with the Cleveland Browns. However, he only lasted two seasons before sending him to the New York Giants. Included in the Odell Beckham trade, the offensive lineman spent three seasons in the Big Apple protecting Eli Manning and Daniel Jones.

Following his three-year stint with the Giants, Kevin Zeitler signed a three-year deal with the Baltimore Ravens. Despite being one of the league’s better guards, he never made a Pro Bowl until the 2023 season. Starting and appearing in all 15 games, the Wisconsin product helped the Ravens finish the season with the best record in the AFC. After beating the Houston Texans in the divisional round, the team fell to the Kansas City Chiefs in the AFC Championship Game.

Main Photo: Lon Horwedel – USA Today Sports

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Imagine holding a lottery ticket that could either save your franchise or haunt it for a decade. That’s the First Pick Paradox in a nutshell—a high-stakes gamble where “can’t-miss” prospects sometimes miss spectacularly while overlooked gems shine. It’s like “Black Mirror” meets “Draft Day,” where every decision splits the timeline into infinite possibilities. For the Tennessee Titans, holding the No. 1 pick in the 2025 NFL Draft isn’t just a golden ticket—it’s a Schrödinger’s cat of pressure, hope, and sleepless nights.

Now, picture this: A team with the league’s worst record (3-14) suddenly holds the keys to draft royalty. Do they grab a franchise quarterback or a generational edge rusher? It’s the NFL’s version of “The Hunger Games”—survival hinges on strategy, not just talent. The Titans aren’t just picking a player; they’re choosing a path that could redefine their future. And as free agency shakes up the board, the paradox sharpens: Do you fix glaring needs or chase transcendent talent?

The Titans’ Generational Gamble

Tennessee’s front office claims they won’t pass on a “generational talent” at No. 1. Translation: Penn State edge rusher Abdul Carter, who led college football with 24 tackles for loss in 2024, is their target. But here’s the twist—Centerstage Sports agent Drew Rosenhaus recently revealed Carter has a stress reaction in his right foot, though he insists his client will “put on a show at his pro day.” Meanwhile, the Titans released veteran Harold Landry, creating a gaping hole at pass rusher. Carter’s raw power and explosiveness could fill it, but is he worth skipping a quarterback in a Quarterback-driven league?

It’s a classic First Pick Paradox playbook. Think “Moneyball” meets “Ocean’s Eleven”—weighing analytics against gut instincts. The Titans’ 2024 defense ranked 28th in sacks (27), and Carter’s 6’3”, 250-pound frame screams “game-wrecker.” But passing on a quarterback like Miami’s Cam Ward, the 2024 Davey O’Brien Award winner, risks repeating the Deshaun Watson-era Browns’ mistakes. Ward threw for 4,313 yards and 43 touchdowns last season, yet Cleveland’s quarterback carousel still spins like a “Stranger Things” upside-down world.

Meanwhile, the New York Giants at No. 3 are flirting with Colorado’s Shedeur Sanders, a polarizing prospect with 41 touchdowns and 10 interceptions in 2024. GM Joe Schoen and coach Brian Daboll were spotted chatting up Sanders at the East-West Shrine Bowl, sparking rumors of a smokescreen—or genuine interest. Besides, either it’s the biggest smokescreen ever, or the Giants are in love. In today’s NFL, drafting for upside often trumps immediate fixes.

But the First Pick Paradox cuts deeper. For every Patrick Mahomes, there’s a JaMarcus Russell. The Titans’ choice will ripple across the draft, forcing teams like the Patriots (No. 4) and Jaguars (No. 5) to pivot. Will they chase Travis Hunter’s two-way stardom or Mason Graham’s defensive anchor potential? The clock’s ticking—and the stakes are higher than a “Squid Game” elimination round.

Ripple effects and reinvented blueprints for the first pick

The First Pick Paradox isn’t just Tennessee’s problem—it’s a league-wide fever dream. Take the Browns at No. 2, who skipped quarterback for Colorado’s Travis Hunter, a Swiss Army knife who could play wide receiver or cornerback. “Hunter has a credible path to becoming a Pro Bowl player at either receiver or cornerback,” ESPN’s Field Yates noted. Cleveland’s gamble mirrors the NBA’s “positionless” trend, prioritizing versatility over traditional needs. But in a division with Lamar Jackson and Joe Burrow, does avoiding QB2 spell doom?

Meanwhile, the Raiders (No. 6) doubled down on nostalgia, trading for Geno Smith and drafting Boise State running back Ashton Jeanty—a Barry Sanders-esque rusher with 2,601 yards in 2024. New coach Pete Carroll is rebuilding his “Legion of Boom 2.0”, but in a pass-happy league, betting on a bell-cow back feels like rewinding to “Friday Night Lights.” Yet Jeanty’s 7.0 yards per carry and 30 touchdowns can’t be ignored. It’s a high-risk, high-reward play—the essence of the First Pick Paradox.

Even contenders aren’t immune. The Chiefs (No. 31) grab Ohio State tackle Josh Simmons to protect Patrick Mahomes after their Super Bowl LIX loss exposed shaky tackles. “Simmons allowed just one QB pressure and no sacks on 152 pass-blocking snaps last season, which was good for the lowest pressure rate allowed (0.7%) by any tackle with at least 100 pass block snaps. Kansas City gets a steal here,” per CBS Sports. For Philly (No. 32), replacing Josh Sweat with Texas A&M’s Nic Scourton (29 TFL since 2023) keeps their trenches fearsome. These picks aren’t sexy, but they’re chess moves in a league where championships are won in the trenches.

The paradox reshapes everything. Teams now draft like “Moneyball” savants, blending analytics with existential dread. Do you chase the next Travis Kelce (Michigan TE Colston Loveland to the Chargers) or lockdown corners (Texas’ Jahdae Barron to Green Bay)? The answer lies in balancing desperation with vision—a tightrope walk where one misstep triggers a rebuild.

The draft’s new reality

The First Pick Paradox isn’t going away. It’s the NFL’s version of “The Matrix”—a system where choices define realities. For the Titans, picking Carter or Ward will write their next chapter. For the Giants, Sanders could be Daniel Jones’ successor or another cautionary tale. And for the league, 2025’s draft in Lambeau Field isn’t just about talent—it’s a referendum on risk, patience, and the eternal quest for the perfect pick.

In the end, the paradox reminds us: There are no sure things, only calculated leaps. Whether teams soar or crash depends on how they wield the double-edged sword.

Main Image: Sarah Kloepping/USA TODAY NETWORK-Wisconsin / USA TODAY NETWORK

The post The First Pick Paradox and How the Double-Edged Sword Has Reshaped Draft Strategy appeared first on Last Word on Pro Football.

Eight-year veteran safety Xavier Woods signed a new contract with the Tennessee Titans. Woods, a former sixth-round pick, spent the 2024 season with the Carolina Panthers but also played for the Dallas Cowboys and Minnesota Vikings.

[Schefter] Free-agent safety Xavier Woods reached agreement today on a two-year, $10 million deal with the Tennessee Titans. Trevon Smith of Athletes First negotiated the deal. twitter.com/AdamSchefter…

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— NFL News Poster (@nflnewsposter.bsky.social) March 11, 2025 at 7:13 PM

Xavier Woods, Tennessee Titans, Agree to Contract

The 2024 season was something of a disappointment for Xavier Woods. Following a great 2023, the safety struggled to recapture his magic under first-year head coach Dave Canales. Starting and appearing in all 17 games, Woods finished his season with three interceptions, six passes defended, 119 tackles, two tackles-for-loss, and a 57.0 PFF grade. While the Panthers missed the playoffs, they showed life down the stretch with a resurgent Bryce Young under center.

Xavier Woods originally entered the league as a sixth-round pick in the 2017 NFL Draft. Selected by the Dallas Cowboys, the Louisiana Tech product appeared in all 16 games while making four starts. While on the field, the rookie finished his inaugural season with one interception, three passes defended, 42 tackles, one tackle-for-loss, and a 72.4 PFF grade.

After impressing in a smaller role, Woods became a full-time starter in 2018. The defensive back was ready for the increase in responsibility, finishing the season with two interceptions, nine passes defended, 56 tackles, and a 68.0 PFF grade.

Xavier Woods continued to start for Dallas throughout the course of his rookie contract. Following his four years with the Cowboys, the safety signed a one-year deal with the Minnesota Vikings. This proved to be a wise investment, as Woods started all 17 games while recording three interceptions, 10 passes defended, one sack, and 108 tackles.

Woods parlayed his one-year deal into a three-year contract with the Carolina Panthers. During his first year in his new home, the safety started and appeared in 15 games while recording no interceptions, six passes defended, 86 tackles, and a 63.5 PFF grade. He followed this up with a fantastic 2023, hauling in two interceptions, seven passes defended, 61 tackles, and an 80.3 PFF grade in 14 games.

Main Photo: Bob Donnan – Imagn Images

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The NFL draft is usually a quarterback lovefest—think The Bachelor finale, but with more playbooks and less rose-giving. This year? The 2025 Quarterback class cupboard feels emptier than a nacho platter at a Super Bowl party. With no surefire franchise saviors hogging the spotlight, positions like defensive line, tight end, and even safety are crashing the first-round conversation like uninvited guests who end up stealing the show.

Welcome to the 2025 draft, where “Who’s that?” might just be the most asked question. While teams scramble to find the next Patrick Mahomes, the real drama lies in the trenches and beyond. Think of it like Stranger Things shifting focus from Hawkins High to the Upside Down—less obvious, but way more intriguing.

Quarterback carousel spins into uncertainty

The New York Jets’ signing of Justin Fields feels less like a grand romance and more like a rebound fling. After 14 straight playoff misses and a messy breakup with Aaron Rodgers, Gang Green tossed Fields a two-year, $40 million “prove it” deal. But let’s be real: Fields’ résumé—4-2 as a Steelers starter last year, 16 career fumbles in 2022—is about as reliable as a TikTok weather forecast. Yet here we are.

BREAKING: Jets signing QB Justin Fields to two-year, $40M deal with $30M guaranteed. (via @rapsheet, @TomPelissero) pic.twitter.com/YJVKoikwuM

— NFL (@NFL) March 10, 2025

The 2025 Quarterback class? It’s thinner than the plot of Riverdale’s final season. Scouts are lukewarm on Colorado’s Shedeur Sanders and Miami’s Cam Ward, while Alabama’s Jalen Milroe and Ole Miss’ Jaxson Dart feel like lottery tickets with scratch-off odds. Hence, this isn’t a group that’ll have GMs sprinting to the podium. So, what’s a Quarterback-needy team to do?

The Jets, for example, are betting on Fields’ legs (1,143 rushing yards in 2022) and a young supporting cast featuring Garrett Wilson and Breece Hall. But if this experiment flops? Cue the Curb Your Enthusiasm theme—it’s back to the drawing board for a franchise that’s mastered the art of disappointment.

While the Jets’ Fields experiment grabs headlines, other Quarterback-needy teams are navigating the draft’s murky waters with varying strategies. The Pittsburgh Steelers, left scrambling after Fields’ exit, are eyeing a reunion with Russell Wilson or Aaron Rodgers. While flirting with trade targets like New England’s Joe Milton—a raw but rocket-armed project buried behind Drake Maye.

Speaking of the Patriots, they’re all-in on Maye as their franchise cornerstone. As they leave Milton as trade bait despite his untapped potential. Meanwhile, the Tennessee Titans (picking first overall) face a dilemma: reach for a shaky Quarterback prospect like Cam Ward or Shedeur Sanders, or snag Penn State’s generational pass-rusher Abdul Carter and kick the Quarterback can down the road.

Even teams like the Saints and Rams, lurking in the mid-rounds, are gambling on developmental options. Options like Tyler Shough or Jaxson Dart—proof that in a Quarterback drought, desperation and creativity go hand in hand.

Defensive Linemen Steal the Spotlight

If quarterbacks are the draft’s main course, this year’s defensive line class is the loaded nachos you can’t stop eating. Penn State’s Abdul Carter, a 6’3”, 250-pound edge rusher with a stress fracture and a top-five grade, headlines a group so deep it could fill a Marvel ensemble. Georgia’s Mykel Williams (6’6”, 260 lbs) and Texas A&M’s Shemar Stewart (4.67-second 40-yard dash at 267 lbs) bring Black Panther-level athleticism, while Michigan’s Mason Graham anchors the interior like a fridge full of bricks.

“You can’t have enough good ones,” Bears GM Ryan Poles said, referencing the Eagles’ D-line dominance in Super Bowl 59. Eleven defensive linemen could go in Round 1—a tidal wave of talent that’s forcing teams to rethink their boards. Even Colorado’s Travis Hunter, the two-way unicorn, is getting CB1 buzz despite playing receiver 50% of the time.

Meanwhile, Shedeur Sanders’ draft stock is slipping faster than a grocery bag with a hole. Critics point to his “uneasy” pocket presence, but Kurt Warner offered context: “I just want to see him more solid in the pocket and the ability to process quickly so he doesn’t have to get uneasy after first look and go create a throw. To stay in there, see it, understand it, and get the ball out a little bit more on time than I saw.”

When you’ve been sacked 94 times in two years, wouldn’t you twitch? Behind Colorado’s Swiss cheese O-line, Sanders’ toughness (playing through injections, per Deion Sanders) might be his best selling point. Besides, this draft isn’t about finding a hero…

It’s about building a roster that can survive without one. With Quarterbacks stuck in purgatory, teams are stockpiling defensive monsters, versatile tight ends (Penn State’s Tyler Warren is this year’s Gronk-lite), and hybrid playmakers. The Jets’ Fields gamble? It’s a subplot in a bigger story.

In a year without a Caleb Williams, you either get creative or get left behind. So grab your popcorn. The 2025 Quarterback class might lack star power, but the chaos? That’s must-see TV.

Main Photo Credit: Stephanie Amador Blondet-Imagn Images

The post 2025 NFL Quarterback Class Opens Door for Under-The-Radar Positions To Dominate Draft Chatter appeared first on Last Word on Pro Football.

Six-year veteran linebacker Cody Barton signed a new contract with the Tennessee Titans. Barton, a former third-round pick, spent the 2024 season with the Denver Broncos but has also played for the Seattle Seahawks and Washington Commanders.

Broncos LB Cody Barton is signing with the Titans, per The Insiders. He gets a 3-year deal worth $21M.

— Ian Rapoport (@rapsheet1.bsky.social) 2025-03-10T21:26:57.234Z

Cody Barton, Tennessee Titans, Agree to Contract

After signing a modest one-year contract with the Denver Broncos, Cody Barton starred on one of the league’s best defenses in 2024. Appearing in all 17 games while making 14 starts, Barton finished his first year in Mile High with two interceptions, five passes defended, 1.5 sacks, 106 tackles, two tackles-for-loss, two quarterback hits, and a 63.7 PFF grade, the 46th-best mark out of 84 eligible players. With his help, the Denver Broncos made the playoffs but went one-and-done following a blowout loss to the Buffalo Bills.

Cody Barton originally entered the league as a third-round pick in the 2019 NFL Draft. Selected by the Seattle Seahawks, the Utah product needed some time to make a name for himself. While Barton appeared in all 16 games as a rookie, he only made two starts while recording 23 tackles and one pass defended. He continued seeing backup work in 2020 and 2021 but finally broke out in the final year of his rookie deal.

Earning a starting job, Cody Barton became a key piece of the 2022 Seattle Seahawks defense. Appearing in all 17 games, the former third-round pick finished his season with two interceptions, six passes defended, two sacks, 136 tackles, four tackles-for-loss, two quarterback hits, and a 56.6 PFF grade. With his help, the Seahawks made a surprise playoff appearance but lost to the San Francisco 49ers in the Wild Card round.

Cody Barton turned his breakout season into a one-year contract with the Washington Commanders. While a high-ankle sprain limited him to just 13 games, he still recorded one interception, 121 tackles, three tackles-for-loss, and a 53.9 PFF grade while on the field.

Main Photo: Gregory Fisher – Imagn Images

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