Music City Miracles
The Tennessee Titans made the surprising decision to bring back veteran safety Quandre Diggs earlier this week. Diggs was already present at Wednesday’s practice, though the Titans plan to ease him back into training camp. His addition arguably gives the defense the strongest safety room in the entire NFL.
Amani Hooker and Xavier Woods are the projected starters. New general manager Mike Borgonzi also selected safety Kevin Winston Jr. in the third round of the 2025 NFL Draft. Winston Jr. has missed a few practices in a row with “knee soreness,” but has been an impact performer at training camp when on the field.
The Titans also have Mike Brown, Kendell Brooks, and Julius Wood at the position. Brown was a quality reserve defender when called upon throughout 2024. Diggs’ addition ensures there’s room for only one (at most) of the aforementioned back-end players on the 53-man roster.
Diggs was concise when speaking reporters at Wednesday’s practice. He had other potential suitors in free agency, but chose to reunite with the Titans for a number of reasons. No. 1 overall quarterback Cam Ward is his actual cousin. Tyler Lockett, who he played four seasons with in Seattle, is his best friend. Titans cornerbacks coach Tony Oden was Diggs’ position coach for three years. Tennessee, where he built bonds last year with Hooker and Jeffery Simmons, felt familiar and comfortable.
Diggs is a three-time Pro Bowler. He was legitimately good for the Titans last season before suffering a season-ending Lisfranc injury halfway through the season. He told reporters Wednesday he wouldn’t be “content” with a mentorship role that doesn’t include playing. He’s in Nashville to compete.
Titans defensive coordinator Dennard Wilson must sort through how to divide snaps between Hooker, Woods, Winston Jr. and Diggs when all parties are healthy. It’s a good problem to have, one the Titans need more of at other positions. Diggs’ signing was surprising, but he represents a quality addition to a rebuilding team.
