ESPN’s Adam Schefter released an article detailing key players around the league who could be traded by the November 4th deadline. The struggling one-win Tennessee Titans appear to play a key part in the trade discussion season. Which Tennessee veterans could be on the move to more successful franchises as the Titans look to reset for the 2026 season? What teams could use their services, and what could be the return for Tennessee as they look towards the future?
ESPN: Titans Could Play A Big Part Of “Active” Trade Season
WR Tyler Lockett
The 11-year veteran receiver is on track to log his worst statistical season as a pro, producing only seven receptions for 52 yards in six games. He signed with Tennessee relatively late in the offseason process, shortly before the 2025 NFL Draft. Lockett, thought to be a reliable veteran presence, but the Titans’ offensive woes, along with rapid aging, have robbed him of value. The 33-year-old pass catcher would provide more value to a contender that needs a steady WR4 or WR5 for one last sprint. According to OverTheCap, he signed a one-year contract worth $2.8 million. Any acquiring team would assume minimal prorated cost, but leave Tennessee a dead cap charge of $630K.
While his tenure hasn’t worked out in Tennessee, some teams could be interested in his services. Teams battered by injury, like Tampa Bay, San Francisco, and Washington, could inquire. A reunion with his former coach in Las Vegas could be in the offing as well.
Potential Team Fits: Tampa Bay, Washington, Las Vegas, San Francisco, Giants, Chargers
TE Chig Okonkwo
Okonkwo leads the team in receptions and is second in yards behind the enigmatic Calvin Ridley. Tennessee is underutilizing his pass-catching talents at this juncture of his career. The 26-year-old tight end was drafted in the 2022 draft. He’s become a productive fourth-round selection that needs more shine away from Tennessee. For whatever reason, two coaching staffs have become disenchanted with his services, and the current GM drafted his replacement. The former Maryland tight end is in the last year of his rookie deal, so he’s a pure rental for any team acquiring his services. Despite his lack of consistent reps in Nashville, there are tight-end-needy teams out there, such as the Broncos, the Dolphins, the Eagles, and the Giants.
Potential Team Fits: Denver, Miami, Philadelphia, New York Giants, Baltimore
OG Kevin Zeitler
The aging warhorse still possesses value as a reliable veteran who won’t hurt a team but won’t provide high-level minutes either. He’s 35 years old with a limited shelf life remaining in a league that’s struggling to find competency. Zeitler signed a one-year deal worth just under $9 million, so the Titans must eat $5 million in dead cap. However, Zeitler is likely to be kept given the injuries among the Tennessee offensive line. He’s being dangled on the block; teams needing injury insurance and depth, like Tampa, Cincinnati, and Dallas, will likely inquire.
Potential Team Fits: Tampa Bay, Cincinnati, Dallas, Minnesota, New Orleans
EDGE Arden Key
Key has underperformed in Tennessee after signing a three-year, $21 million pact in 2023. He was brought in to be Harold Landry’s Robin, but failed to live up to expectations. The former Jaguars/Raiders pass rusher has been the subject of trade speculation since last season. Well, this season is no different as the deadline nears for all teams. Key produced only 14 sacks in a little over two seasons with the Titans. The 2025 season will undoubtedly be the last for him in Nashville, with a couple of void years left on his deal. Tennessee would be wise to recoup some value for the pass rusher while they can. Complicating matters is his recent injury, which forced him to miss the Week 6 game against the Raiders.
Potential Team Fits: Dallas, Kansas City, Baltimore, Las Vegas, Philadelphia, Arizona
EDGE Dre’Mont Jones
Jones is in a pretty similar boat to his teammate Key, but only slightly less expensive and signed for less term. While he isn’t a system fit for every team, he’ll have a home in a league that lacks quality pass-rusher depth. The former Seahawk and Broncos pass rusher is off to a rocky start in Nashville and is likely to stay only for 2025. He’s slowly improving, though, having registered his first sack in Week 6. Jones is one to keep around, given the lack of pass rush that Tennessee has. If he were traded, several teams would be interested, perhaps the same ones that intrigue Key.
Potential Team Fits: Dallas, Kansas City, Baltimore, Las Vegas, Philadelphia, Arizona, Washington
CB Roger McCreary
Unlike his compatriots on this list, McCreary has lived up to expectations and then some during his Nashville tenure. He’s in the last season of his rookie deal and merits an extension, but Tennessee would be wise to see what his value is. McCreary is an excellent slot corner who can play a little on the outside, which will entice teams. The list of teams that could trade for him is quite lengthy. Tennessee drafted him in the 2022 class in the second round. He’ll likely be retained on the roster for this season and negotiate in 2026.
Potential Team Fits: Miami, Buffalo, Cleveland, Pittsburgh, Indianapolis, Las Vegas, Dallas, Seattle, New Orleans
Main Image: Andrew Nelles – Imagn Images
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