NFL free agency is almost set to begin, and we're keeping track of every major signing, trade and release of the 2025 offseason, with analysis from our NFL Nation reporters and grades from our experts. The new league year began Wednesday, and free agent signings can then become official. The first round of the 2025 NFL draft begins April 24 on ESPN.
Here's a breakdown of every 2025 NFL free agent signing by the Tennessee Titans and how each will impact the upcoming season:
Brandon Allen, QB
The Titans are adding the veteran QB on a one-year deal.
What it means: Signing Allen reunites him with Callahan, who was his offensive coordinator with the Bengals from 2020 to 2022. Allen was a backup for the 49ers last season and has 10 career starts. Last year's opening-day starter Will Levis is still on the roster, but after he wasn't able to secure the spot last year, Tennessee knew they had to address the position. It's hard to imagine the Titans will enter the season with Allen as the starter, so this move likely signals they will take a quarterback in the draft -- maybe even the consensus top QB in Cam Ward with the No. 1 pick.
What's the risk: This is a one-year deal to bring in a veteran. The cost is low and so are the risks. Allen will at the very least compete for a backup spot. If he doesn't win the job, the Titans can easily cut ties with minimal loss.
Xavier Woods, S
Woods comes over from the Carolina Panthers on a two-year deal worth $10 million.
What it means: Woods becomes the likely starter at safety opposite Amani Hooker. Woods played every snap for Carolina last season. His durability will be key for the Titans given how Hooker has games on each of his NFL seasons. Titans defensive coordinator Dennard Wilson will benefit from having interchangeable safeties that can play both in the box and in single-high coverage. Woods is a sure tackler (72 solo stops) which is much needed in the secondary after shortcomings last season led to a lot of long runs given up.
What's the risk: The Woods deal really has no risks. Getting a veteran with 111 starts under his belt for $5 million per year is a tremendous bargain. On top of that, Woods was productive last season having posted 119 tackles, six pass breakups and three interceptions last year.
Kevin Zeitler, OG
The Titans are signing the former Detroit Lions offensive lineman to a one-year, $9 million deal.
What it means: Zeitler completes a makeover of the offensive line. He'll line up at right guard next to JC Latham who flipped to right tackle after Dan Moore Jr. was signed to play left tackle. The Titans made two moves and upgraded their offensive line at three spots. Zeitler played 96% of the snaps last season, adding to the always available theme throughout the Titans' free agent additions.
What's the risk: Zeitler is 35, but he is coming off a really good season with the Lions. Although he may not have a bunch of seasons left in him, Zeitler shores up the right guard spot for Tennessee. It's a one-year deal so the Titans will have a decision to make next year at guard it they don't bring Zeitler back for another season in 2026.
Dre'mont Jones, DE
The former Seattle Seahawks defensive lineman comes over on a one-year deal worth $10 million.
What it means: Jones comes to the Titans from Seattle where he played under coach Mike McDonald. Wilson spent one season with McDonald, who oversaw the defense in Baltimore in 2023. There will be some crossover scheme wise. Adding Jones helps boost Tennessee's rotation at defensive end when they use a four-man front. Jones' sack numbers aren't high, but he gets after the quarterback as shown by his 13 QB hits last season.
What's the risk: Jones, a 2019 third-round pick by the Broncos, is the latest veteran Titans general manager Mike Borgonzi added on a one-year prove it deal. There really aren't risks associated with this move. Tennessee has money to spend. If Jones pans out, they can extend the 28-year-old next season. If he doesn't, they can move on.
Van Jefferson, WR
The Titans agreed to a one-year deal with Jefferson worth $2.5 million.
What it means: Jefferson adds veteran depth to a wide receiver group that was unproven outside of Calvin Ridley. But the Titans still need to add more to their wide receiver room. Jefferson had an 800-yard season four years ago but hasn't done much since then.
What's the risk: It's a one-year deal for relatively low money so there aren't many risks. But Tennessee still needs more for whoever ends up being the quarterback this season.
Dan Moore Jr., LT
The former Pittsburgh Steelers left tackle agreed to a agreed four-year, $82 million deal.
What it means: Moore immediately becomes the blindside protector for the Titans' next quarterback. Moore's 92.5% pass block win rate was just outside the top 10 in the league last year. Adding the four-year veteran will switch 2024 first-round pick JC Latham to the right side after starting every games last season as a rookie. Callahan hinted at possibly moving Latham to right tackle if the right situation arose. The Titans could upgrade at two positions if Moore turns in an improvement from Latham's performance last season. Signing Moore locks up a premium position and gives the Titans some flexibility at the top of the second round to build on with the No. 1 overall pick.
What's the risk: The value of the deal is steep at $82 million, with $50 million guaranteed. At 26-years-old, Moore's best days are probably ahead of him, especially with top-level offensive line coach Bill Callahan as his position coach. Tennessee is banking on Moore's upside. But, if the deal doesn't pan out, the Titans will have made a major financial commitment that will also impact Latham, who they selected seventh overall last year. Latham was once considered the future at left tackle for the Titans. Adding Moore changed that. Fortunately for the Titans, Latham played right tackle in college before switching to left last season.
Sebastian Joseph-Day, DT
The Titans are bringing back Joseph-Day on a one-year deal worth $7.5 million.
What it means: Joseph-Day's 2.5 sacks last season won't turn many heads, but he was a consistent player that started 12 games last season. He was third on the team with 462 defensive snaps played (45.8%). The seven-year veteran helps add depth to the front, giving the Titans a formidable rotation. Joseph-Day' a versatility allowed him to play multiple spots along the defensive front. He teamed with interior defensive linemen Jeffery Simmons and T'Vondre Sweat last season. Joseph-Day expressed his desire to return during the end-of-season locker cleanout because of unfinished business. Now he gets his opportunity.
What's the risk: This deal is one that doesn't come with many risks. Joseph-Day is a veteran player on a relatively inexpensive deal that will play plenty of snaps.
Johnny Hekker, P
Hekker comes to the Titans from the Carolina Panthers on a one-year deal.
What it means: Hekker is a four-time All-Pro punter, but he is 35-years old. He'll be reunited with special teams coordinator John Fassel, whom he started his NFL career with when they were with the Rams. The move comes after Tennessee decided not to tender Ryan Stonehouse, allowing him to become an unrestricted free agent. The Titans' brass hopes this move will help turn around a porous unit.
What's the risk: The 13-year veteran is by no means a long term solution. The one-year deal resolves the position this year, but Hekker's 45.7 yards per punt average last season is the third lowest of his career. If Hekker shows no signs of slowing down, there's a chance he returns next season. But, if the decline continues, the Titans will be looking for a new punter in 2026.
Mike Brown, S
Brown is returning to the Titans on a one-year deal.
What it means: Brown earned a roster spot mostly as a special teams player before breaking into the starting lineup. The fourth-year veteran played in all 17 games and made four starts. He finished with 38 tackles, two pass breakups and two quarterback pressures. As a special teamer, Brown recorded 11 tackles, good enough for the second most on the team. Bringing Brown back gives the Titans depth in the secondary and returns a key special teams player for new special teams coordinator John Fassel. Brown can continue to develop under Wilson.
What's the risk: Re-signing Brown is a low risk move that keeps a young player (25) on the roster. The Titans will still need to sign or draft a safety.
Cody Barton, LB
Barton agreed to a three-year deal with the Titans.
What it means: Barton will compete with veteran Kenneth Murray Jr. and second-year players James Williams and Cedric Gray for playing time. His contract, at $7 million per year would indicate he's considered a front runner for one of the starting spots. Barton clearly has a nose for the football as shown by his 121 tackles per year average over the last three seasons. The Titans run defense had too many missed opportunities at the second level that became long runs. Adding a vet like Barton should help alleviate that. Barton has missed only missed four games over the last three years and started 14 games for the Broncos last season.
What's the risk: $21 million is a high number for an inside linebacker. But if Barton can help sure up the run defense, it's a good deal. Barton has been a consistently available player that has started 38 of the 48 games he suited up since 2022.
Darrell Baker Jr., CB
Baker re-signed on a one-year deal.
What it means: The Titans claimed Baker off waivers last August. Baker filled in for big free-agent signees L'Jarius Sneed and Chidobe Awuzie last year, starting opposite then rookie Jarvis Brownlee Jr. He played in all 17 games and made nine starts while finishing with 40 tackles and five pass breakups. Cornerback is one of the few strengths the Titans have on their roster. Re-signing Baker gives them a solid, reliable rotation of four starting caliber players. Baker will also help out on special teams.
What's the risk: There are no risks associated with this deal. Baker is a low-cost veteran signing that has shown he can start.
Morgan Cox, LS
Cox re-signed on a one-year deal.
What it means: Cox is the epitome of consistency at long snapper since signing with the Titans in 2021. Tennessee has signed him to one-year deals for three consecutive seasons now. Cow was a Pro Bowl in 2022 and earned team captain duties last season. Former Titans special teams coach Craig Aukerman once referred to Cox as a "human Jugs machine" because of his reliable snaps on punt team and field goal attempts.
What's the risk: Adding a veteran like Cox on a low-cost, one-year deal doesn't pose any risks. Sure, Cox is 38 years old, but he is coming off a season where he posted a career-high three tackles on punt coverage and hasn't shown any signs of slowing down.
Andrew Rupcich, OT
Rupcich re-signed on a one-year deal.
What it means: Rupcich won't compete for a starting spot, but he's player that can fill in at both guard and tackle. He was in the mix for a starting spot at right tackle last season but settled in as a depth option at right guard.
What's the risk: This is another low-cost deal that provides veteran depth. Offensive linemen are a premium in the league so retaining a guy like Rupcich that can fill in at multiple positions is a good move.