The Tennessee Titans needed to address their EDGE depth after Lorenzo Carter shockingly announced his retirement on Tuesday, the day when all players reported to training camp. Carter’s sudden retirement leaves a void at the position, given the importance of having solid backups and a rotational pass rush, which allows the starters to rest and return to the lineup fresh. As a result, the team must count on second-round pick Femi Oladejo and last year’s seventh-round pick Jaylen Harrell to step up and fill the slack as the top two backups.
Also Read: Tennessee Titans See Offseason Acquisition Suddenly Retire
Because of this, the Titans could add a veteran in free agency.
The Tennessee Titans are linked to a former second-round pick
Jihad Ward is one of the most underrated and versatile free-agent EDGE rushers available and has familiarity with the Titans’ Vice President of Player Personnel/Football Advisor. The second-round pick from the 2016 NFL Draft spent the first two years of his NFL career with the Oakland Raiders, during which Reggie McKenzie served as the general manager from 2012 to 2018. Ward spent the 2024 campaign with the Minnesota Vikings and recorded ten tackles, one TFL, 14 quarterback hits, and one sack in 17 regular-season games and two starts, plus two tackles in the playoffs.
Tennessee Titans land 19-sack artist, offering much-needed depth
According to Jordan Schultz of FOX Sports, the Titans have signed Jihad Ward to a contract, reuniting with Reggie McKenzie in Tennessee. As a result, he will compete for a key backup and rotational role in his tenth year in the NFL. Given Ward’s ability to play inside as an interior defensive lineman and outside as an EDGE rusher, he should see the field a lot in 2025.
Sources: The #Titans are signing former #Vikings LB Jihad Ward.
Ward played in all 17 games last season with Minnesota and has 19 career sacks. pic.twitter.com/xADSl9Pzxf
— Jordan Schultz (@Schultz_Report) July 24, 2025
Here’s a look at the Tennessee Titans’ EDGE depth
- Arden Key
- Dre’Mont Jones
- Femi Oladejo
- Jihad Ward
- Jaylen Harrell
- Titus Leo
- Ali Gaye
- Desmond Evans
