Music City Miracles
The Tennessee Titans submitted their initial 53-man roster on Tuesday afternoon. More changes are coming, with general manager Mike Borgonzi owning the top priority on the waiver wire. We’ve identified seven released/waived players around the league Borgonzi should consider adding to his roster.
The Kansas City Chiefs released veteran defensive tackle Marlon Tuipulotu. Borgonzi obviously knows him from their time together in KC, and Titans defensive coordinator Dennard Wilson coached Tuipulotu in Philadelphia. As a vested veteran, he’s not subject to waivers, so the Titans would have to sign him in free agency.
The Tampa Bay Buccaneers waived speedy wide receiver Trey Palmer. The former sixth-round selection has registered 51 receptions, 557 yards, and four touchdowns in his young career. Palmer also has experience on special teams, and has some untapped potential worth exploring.
The Titans placed Tyjae Spears on IR, ruling him out for a minimum of four regular-season games. Do the Titans need another running back as a result? Kalel Mullings has also been nursing a minor ankle injury. Audric Estime is a short-yardage back, but Brian Callahan looked for that type this offseason.
Linebacker Nick Niemann is another vested veteran, so he’s not subject to waivers. The Titans need veteran help at linebacker behind Cody Barton, James Williams, and Cedric Gray though. That fourth linebacker spot should be reserved for a special teams ace, and Niemann is plenty experienced.
There is legitimate discontent from Los Angeles Rams fans after they cut linebacker Chris Paul Jr. Paul Jr. was drafted in the fifth round this year, but was beat-out for a roster spot by Shaun Dolac, an undrafted defender at the same position. The former Ole Miss standout logged 111 snaps in the preseason.
The Titans don’t really have a traditional nose tackle behind T’Vondre Sweat. Roster placeholder Timmy Horne is currently in that spot. If the Titans want a more traditional body, the Baltimore Ravens released C.J. Okoye, who played well throughout training camp and the preseason.
The Titans kept 11 offensive linemen. Roster movement will occur here. Depth across the interior is pretty good, but would Cole Strange represent an upgrade on Corey Levin or Blake Hance? It’s a question at least worth asking about Strange, a 2022 first-round selection.
