The Tennessee Titans might find a trade partner for the first overall pick, creating opportunities to move up in 2025.

As the 2025 NFL Draft approaches, the Tennessee Titans find themselves in an interesting position. With a talented but aging roster and a competitive AFC South, the Titans are faced with key decisions about their future, particularly when it comes to their quarterback situation and overall team strategy. The Titans’ future could hinge on how they approach the first overall pick in the draft, as they may have the opportunity to trade the pick and move down or even move up, depending on the demands of the market and the needs of other teams.

While it is still early in the process, the Titans’ potential trade of the first overall pick could have massive ramifications not just for their franchise, but also for the rest of the league. This situation presents both opportunities and challenges, and how the Titans navigate these waters could set the course for the next chapter of their rebuild or retooling.

Understanding the Titans’ Current Situation

Before diving into the specifics of a potential trade, it is essential to understand where the Tennessee Titans stand heading into 2025. The team is at a crossroads, facing a number of difficult decisions about the future of the franchise. After years of competitive play and playoff appearances, the Titans are beginning to show signs of aging, particularly on offense. Key players such as running back Derrick Henry and quarterback Ryan Tannehill are entering the later stages of their careers, and the team’s overall roster needs some rejuvenation.

Quarterback Situation: The most pressing question for the Titans is what to do at quarterback. Ryan Tannehill, who has been a solid starter for the Titans since 2019, is no longer seen as a long-term solution. While he has provided stability and occasional flashes of brilliance, the Titans know they need to invest in their future at the quarterback position. The question is whether they can afford to sit tight and draft a quarterback with the first overall pick, or if trading the pick would allow them to move up and get the quarterback they need, or even secure more assets for the future.

Team Needs: In addition to quarterback, the Titans also need to address several other positions. The offensive line has been a major area of concern, with Tannehill facing increasing pressure from opposing defenses and the team’s running game stalling at times. On the defensive side, while the Titans have some young stars like Jeffrey Simmons, the pass rush needs to be bolstered, and depth at cornerback and safety remains an issue. These areas of weakness make the first overall pick even more crucial as the Titans look to fill holes in their lineup.

Given these factors, the first overall pick in 2025 represents an opportunity for the Titans to begin their rebuild or retooling efforts and address their most pressing needs. The decision to trade or keep the pick will depend on the value the team perceives in the draft class, their own roster evaluation, and what kind of deals they are able to negotiate.

Why the Titans Might Trade the First Overall Pick

The possibility of trading the first overall pick creates several intriguing opportunities for the Titans. While most teams would covet the top pick in a draft, there are several reasons why the Titans might opt to trade it, including:

1. Quarterback-Driven Trade Market: The 2025 draft is expected to have multiple top-tier quarterbacks available. Teams that are in need of a quarterback—such as those who are rebuilding or currently in search of a franchise signal-caller—could be willing to trade up to secure one of the top quarterbacks. If the Titans are not interested in taking a quarterback at the top spot, or if they believe they can find a long-term answer elsewhere in the draft or in free agency, they could entertain offers to trade down. Teams that are quarterback-needy—such as the Indianapolis Colts, Washington Commanders, or others—would likely be in the market to move up to the first spot to secure the top player available.
2. Building Through Multiple Picks: The Titans are entering a period where roster construction and cap space management will be crucial. Trading the first overall pick could allow them to acquire multiple high draft picks, giving them more opportunities to address their needs across the roster. By stockpiling picks in the 2025 and 2026 drafts, the Titans could position themselves to add depth and talent at several positions. This strategy is especially appealing for a team that is not just a quarterback away from competing but needs to address multiple areas of concern.
3. The Appeal of Multiple Teams Fighting for a Top QB: If the 2025 draft class is rich with quarterbacks who possess franchise-changing potential, the demand for the first pick will only increase. The Titans could find themselves in a bidding war for the first pick, driving up the value of the trade. This situation is ideal for the Titans, as they could find themselves in a position to command a significant return in terms of draft capital. This could include future first-round picks, multiple second-round selections, or valuable players who can help the Titans immediately.
4. Rebuilding for the Future: The Titans may see trading the first overall pick as an opportunity to accelerate their rebuilding process. As mentioned, the team is in need of an influx of talent, and trading down would allow them to accumulate multiple players who can contribute to the team’s success in both the short and long term. The Titans may be hesitant to select a quarterback and instead choose to bolster other positions on the roster, making the first overall pick less valuable to them personally, but still highly desirable to other teams.

Potential Trade Partners for the First Overall Pick

Given the value of the first overall pick and the Titans’ situation, there are several potential trade partners that could make sense for a deal. These teams would likely be looking to move up in the draft for a quarterback or to land an elite player at another position.

1. Indianapolis Colts: The Colts are one of the most likely trade partners for the Titans. With veteran quarterback Matt Ryan nearing the end of his career, the Colts are in need of a long-term solution at quarterback. A trade-up to the first overall pick would allow the Colts to secure one of the top quarterbacks in the draft, such as Caleb Williams or Drake Maye. Moving up would allow the Colts to take control of the QB market and potentially avoid competition from other teams in need of a quarterback.
2. Washington Commanders: Another team that could be interested in the first pick is the Washington Commanders. Washington has struggled to find a consistent and reliable quarterback in recent years, and with several strong prospects in the 2025 draft class, they might be willing to trade up. The Commanders are in a position where a franchise quarterback could push them toward playoff contention in the NFC East, and moving up to the first pick could be the key to securing that player.
3. Las Vegas Raiders: The Raiders are another team that could consider trading up to the first pick. With Derek Carr no longer in the picture and uncertainty surrounding their future quarterback situation, Las Vegas may be aggressive in securing a top-tier quarterback. The Raiders have a solid roster, and with the right quarterback, they could quickly contend for playoff spots in the AFC. Trading up to the first overall pick would give them the chance to grab a quarterback who could lead them into the future.
4. Atlanta Falcons: The Falcons are an interesting potential trade partner, especially given their current position in the draft and the fact that they are still searching for their long-term answer at quarterback. While Desmond Ridder has shown flashes, he has not yet proven to be the unquestioned leader of the offense. Atlanta might be willing to move up to the first overall pick to secure a top quarterback and set their franchise on a new course.
5. Other Teams: Several other teams could be in the mix for a trade, depending on how the offseason unfolds. Teams like the New York Jets, Carolina Panthers, and Tampa Bay Buccaneers could all be looking to move up for a top quarterback if they are unable to land one in free agency or via trade.

What the Titans Could Gain From a Trade

If the Titans were to trade the first overall pick, they could potentially receive the following assets:

1. Future First-Round Picks: The most valuable asset the Titans would likely receive in a trade is future first-round picks. These picks could give the team the ability to build for the future and target top players in upcoming drafts.
2. Additional Picks in 2025: Along with future first-round selections, the Titans could receive additional picks in the 2025 draft. These picks could help the team address its immediate needs, whether it’s finding a new offensive lineman, adding to the defensive line, or bolstering the secondary.
3. Potential Player Returns: In addition to draft picks, the Titans could also look to acquire veteran players in a trade, especially if they are looking for instant contributors to their roster. If another team offers a player who can fill a key role on the Titans’ roster, this could make a trade even more appealing.
4. Flexibility in the Draft: By trading down, the Titans could have the flexibility to draft multiple players who fit their system and needs. They would have the chance to select players at positions of need, such as offensive line or wide receiver, without having to sacrifice their future.