The Tennessee Titans’ possible departure of a standout defender could indicate adjustments to their defensive lineup for 2025.

The Tennessee Titans have built their identity over the past few seasons around a tough, physical brand of football, particularly on the defensive side of the ball. With standout defenders like Jeffrey Simmons, Kevin Byard, and Harold Landry, the Titans have had a defensive unit that many considered among the most formidable in the NFL. However, as the 2025 season approaches, there are reports that the Titans could be looking to part ways with one of their star defenders, marking the potential beginning of a significant shift in the team’s defensive strategy.

This potential move has left Titans fans, analysts, and NFL pundits speculating on the future of the franchise’s defense and whether cutting ties with such a key player could open up opportunities for growth or lead to a breakdown in what has historically been a strong unit. While there is no definitive confirmation yet, the possibility of this departure is worth examining to better understand the impact it would have on the team’s defensive line-up, cap space, and overall strategy for 2025.

This article will delve into the implications of the Titans’ possible decision, explore who could be on the chopping block, and analyze what changes it could mean for the defensive lineup as the franchise shifts its focus heading into the next season.

Why the Titans Are Considering a Star Defender’s Departure

The decision to part ways with a star defender is never easy, especially when that player has been a key part of the team’s success. However, NFL teams must make decisions based on both the short-term and long-term needs of the franchise. For the Titans, the financial ramifications of their roster decisions, as well as the evolution of their team’s strategy, could be contributing factors in their decision-making process.

There are a few key reasons the Titans may consider cutting ties with a standout defender:

1. Cap Space and Contract Concerns

One of the most likely reasons the Titans could part ways with a star defender is financial. NFL teams are constantly managing their salary caps, and certain contracts can become burdensome as time goes on. Players who are due large salaries or are not performing at the level expected of them can become candidates for release, especially if their cap hit is high.

For the Titans, it’s possible that a star defender is due a significant salary in 2025, and cutting ties would allow the team to free up valuable cap space. This would give the Titans more flexibility to sign key players, retain young talent, or make moves in free agency to improve other areas of the roster. In today’s NFL, maintaining salary cap flexibility is crucial, and cutting an expensive player who may no longer be playing at an elite level could be an important step toward improving the overall health of the roster.

2. Declining Performance

Another factor in the Titans’ decision could be declining performance from the star defender in question. As players age or experience injuries, their level of performance can decline, and teams may feel that they can no longer justify keeping the player at their current salary. If a defender has shown signs of slowing down—whether in terms of pass-rushing efficiency, run defense, or coverage—cutting ties could make sense, even if the player has been a key contributor in the past.

If the Titans believe that they can replace the production from this defender with younger, more cost-effective options, or if they want to restructure their defense to focus on different strengths, the move could be seen as a long-term investment in the team’s future.

3. Changing Defensive Philosophy

The NFL is an ever-evolving league, and defensive strategies have shifted significantly over the past decade. Teams that once relied heavily on dominant defensive players are now focusing on versatility, speed, and adaptability. The Titans may be looking to retool their defense to better match these trends, with an emphasis on schemes that can handle the modern NFL’s increasing emphasis on passing offenses. In this case, moving away from a star defender—particularly if they are not a fit for the new defensive system—could be part of a larger restructuring effort.

Head coach Mike Vrabel, a former linebacker himself, has often spoken about the importance of adaptability in defensive schemes. The Titans have traditionally relied on strong pass rushers and run-stoppers, but if the organization is moving toward a more hybrid approach, some players could be seen as redundant or not as effective in a new system.

Who Could the Star Defender Be?

While the Titans have a few notable defensive players, there are a few key names that stand out as candidates who could be the subject of trade talks or potential cuts. While there’s no official word yet, we can speculate on who this star defender might be and why they could be on the move.

1. Kevin Byard (Safety)

Kevin Byard has long been one of the Titans’ most consistent and reliable defensive players. A two-time Pro Bowler and one of the top safeties in the league, Byard has been a key leader in the Titans’ secondary. However, his contract, which includes a high salary cap hit, has led some to believe that he could be a candidate for release or trade.

Byard has played at a high level throughout his career, but as the Titans look to retool for the future, they may decide that they can’t justify keeping Byard’s high salary on the books, especially given the influx of young talent in the secondary. While Byard is still an elite talent, the Titans could choose to move on in order to open up cap space for younger players or free-agent acquisitions.

2. Harold Landry (Edge Rusher)

Harold Landry is another player whose future with the Titans could be in jeopardy. Landry signed a lucrative extension with the Titans in 2022, and he has been a key piece of their pass rush. However, his production has fluctuated, and the team could be questioning whether he is worth the price tag given the rise of younger pass rushers in the league and the team’s potential need to invest elsewhere.

If the Titans feel that Landry’s production doesn’t match his contract, or if they believe that they can find a more cost-effective pass rusher through the draft or free agency, Landry could be a player they part ways with in order to clear cap space and shift their focus to other needs.

3. Jeffery Simmons (Defensive Tackle)

Jeffery Simmons is one of the Titans’ most dominant defenders and one of the cornerstones of their defense. However, the Titans have historically been hesitant to allocate large sums of money to interior defensive linemen, given the growing trend of prioritizing edge rushers and secondary players. If the Titans believe that they can replace Simmons’ production through a combination of younger players or free-agent signings, they could potentially entertain trade offers or restructuring his deal to make him more financially feasible in the long run.

What Does This Mean for the Titans’ 2025 Defensive Lineup?

The potential departure of a star defender would undoubtedly have a significant impact on the Titans’ defensive lineup. Losing a key player—whether it’s Byard, Landry, or Simmons—would require the team to make adjustments to its defensive scheme and personnel.

1. Rebuilding the Secondary

If the Titans cut ties with Kevin Byard, they would be left with a hole in their secondary, which could require the team to prioritize finding a capable replacement either in the draft or free agency. The team could turn to younger players like Amani Hooker or Elijah Molden, or it could look to add a more experienced player to fill Byard’s shoes. Either way, the Titans would need to ensure that the secondary remains strong, as the success of their defense depends largely on their ability to defend against the pass.

2. Strengthening the Pass Rush

Losing Harold Landry would mean a significant hit to the Titans’ pass rush, which has been one of their most important assets in recent years. The team would need to find a way to generate pressure on opposing quarterbacks, potentially looking to replace Landry’s role with a younger, more cost-effective option or through a shift in the defensive scheme.

3. Revamping the Defensive Front

If Jeffery Simmons were to depart, the Titans would have to rebuild their defensive line, possibly shifting their focus to younger players and utilizing new draft picks to bolster their front. Simmons is one of the top interior linemen in the league, and his absence would create a massive void in the middle of the defense.