The Tennessee Titans have made several key roster moves aimed at improving their defensive line and secondary in a crucial offseason that is shaping up to be pivotal for the team’s 2025 campaign. On the heels of a season filled with challenges, the Titans have sought to strengthen their defense, which has long been a backbone of their identity under head coach Mike Vrabel. In the latest series of moves, the Titans signed cornerback Amani Oruwariye and defensive lineman Carlos Watkins while releasing defensive lineman Abdullah Anderson. These moves reflect the Titans’ commitment to fine-tuning their roster and positioning themselves for a potential playoff run.
Amani Oruwariye, a former Detroit Lions cornerback, was brought in to fortify the Titans’ secondary. Oruwariye, a fourth-round pick in the 2019 NFL Draft, has showcased his talents over the past few seasons in Detroit. During his tenure with the Lions, Oruwariye was known for his ball-hawking skills, recording several interceptions and pass deflections. The Titans have struggled at times with their pass defense, and Oruwariye’s ability to make plays on the ball could prove invaluable as the team looks to compete in the AFC South and beyond. Standing at 6 feet 2 inches and weighing 205 pounds, Oruwariye has the size to match up with tall, physical receivers in the league, which will be crucial in a division that features the high-flying aerial attacks of teams like the Jacksonville Jaguars and Indianapolis Colts.
Oruwariye’s signing is expected to inject some much-needed depth into a secondary that lost some key pieces in recent seasons. With starting cornerback Kristian Fulton continuing to deal with injuries and the Titans’ cornerback depth having been a question mark in 2024, Oruwariye’s experience and ability to step into a starting role could be pivotal. The 26-year-old defensive back has shown flashes of potential throughout his career, and the Titans hope that a change of scenery could reignite his playmaking abilities. Oruwariye has also shown a knack for being in the right place at the right time, something that could greatly benefit a Titans defense looking to create more turnovers in 2025.
On the defensive line, the Titans have added Carlos Watkins, who spent the past few seasons with the Dallas Cowboys. Watkins, a former fourth-round pick by the Houston Texans, has been a steady presence on the defensive front, capable of contributing as both a run stopper and a pass rusher. At 6 feet 3 inches and 305 pounds, Watkins has the size and power to clog up running lanes while also being able to apply pressure on the quarterback in passing situations. The Titans have struggled to get consistent pressure on opposing quarterbacks in recent years, and Watkins’ addition could provide the team with the push they need on the interior of their defensive line.
Watkins is known for his strong, physical play, and his ability to occupy blockers will allow other defenders on the Titans’ defensive line, such as Jeffery Simmons, to operate with more freedom. Simmons is one of the top defensive tackles in the league, and with Watkins alongside him, the Titans’ defensive front could become a more formidable unit. Watkins is also versatile enough to move around the defensive line, allowing the Titans to be more creative with their pass rush schemes. His leadership and experience will be valuable for a Titans defense that is looking to establish itself as one of the best in the league once again.
In a corresponding move, the Titans released Abdullah Anderson, a defensive lineman who has spent the past few seasons bouncing between teams and practice squads. Anderson, who originally signed with the Titans as an undrafted free agent in 2018, was a long shot to make the final roster heading into the 2025 season. Although Anderson showed promise during his time on the practice squad and in limited appearances with the Titans, his release signals the team’s intent to move in a different direction along the defensive line. With the addition of Watkins, the Titans have more depth and talent on the interior of their defense, which made Anderson expendable. While Anderson has been a reliable depth piece in past seasons, the Titans’ decision to part ways with him reflects the team’s shift toward building a more competitive roster that can compete at the highest level in the NFL.
The release of Anderson also frees up a roster spot and some cap space for the Titans, which they can use to continue building out their roster in other areas of need. With a number of high-profile free agents still available, the Titans may look to further bolster their defense or address other positions, such as wide receiver or linebacker, as the offseason progresses. The signing of Oruwariye and Watkins indicates that the Titans are committed to making their defense a strength of the team moving forward.
For the Titans, 2025 is shaping up to be a critical year in terms of competing for a playoff spot. The team has a strong defensive core, led by the likes of Simmons and linebacker Rashaan Evans, but they have struggled with consistency in recent seasons. The addition of Oruwariye and Watkins could help solidify the defense and make the Titans more competitive in the loaded AFC. With quarterback Ryan Tannehill and running back Derrick Henry leading the offense, the Titans know that they will need a stout defense to make a deep playoff run. The pressure is on Vrabel and general manager Ran Carthon to continue building a roster that can contend with the best teams in the conference.
The move to bolster the defense is also a sign that the Titans are serious about competing in the AFC South, a division that is increasingly becoming more competitive. The Jacksonville Jaguars, led by young quarterback Trevor Lawrence, have shown significant improvement, and the Colts are expected to be better with a new quarterback at the helm. The Houston Texans are also in the midst of a rebuilding process but have shown flashes of promise. The Titans cannot afford to take any team lightly, and having a strong defense will be key to securing victories in divisional matchups.
As the offseason continues, the Titans will likely make additional moves to further enhance their roster. The signing of Oruwariye and Watkins is just the beginning of what could be an exciting stretch for the team. The defense is expected to be one of the team’s biggest strengths in 2025, and these recent moves will help shore up any weaknesses. The Titans’ ability to stay healthy and execute on both sides of the ball will ultimately determine their success in the coming season, but with a fortified defensive front and secondary, the team has set itself up for success.
For Oruwariye, Watkins, and the rest of the Titans’ defensive players, the 2025 season will be a chance to prove that they are among the elite units in the NFL. With Vrabel’s leadership and a renewed sense of urgency, the Titans will look to get back to their winning ways and make a deep run in the playoffs. As the team continues to make strategic moves in the offseason, fans are hopeful that these new additions will help the Titans reclaim their place among the league’s top teams.