Titans Cut 16 Players
The Titans are among the teams to make early decisions on roster cuts. Teams have barely 24 hours to set their initial 53-man rosters. Here are the 16 players Tennessee has parted with on its journey from 90 to 53:
Released:
Waived:
- DB Joshuah Bledsoe
- DT Josiah Bronson
- LB Amari Burney
- DE Desmond Evans
- DB Jermari Harris
- WR Jha’Quan Jackson
- DB Jalen Kimber
- DB Clarence Lewis
- DB Davion Ross
- WR TJ Sheffield
- DT T.J. Smith
- DB Julius Wood
Waived/Injured:
- WR Matt Landers
Mustipher is the most notable name included here, having started 40 games for the Bears as their primary center from 2020-22. He has been unable to commandeer a similar role elsewhere, bouncing around the league since his 2023 Chicago exit. Mustipher started one game for the Chargers last season, joining the Titans for no guaranteed money. Hambright and Gaziano each debuted in 2020; the former played in four Titans games last season.
Titans RB Tyjae Spears Could Begin Season On IR
Tyjae Spears‘ 2025 debut could be delayed by at least one month. The third-year running back is a candidate to begin the season injured reserve, TitansInsider’s Terry McCormick reports. 
The designated for return distinction is still in play after it was introduced for roster cutdowns in 2024. As a result, teams can place as many as two players on injured reserve without the move ending their seasons. Any player given the designation is required to miss at least the first four weeks of the campaign, though.
Spears exited Tennessee’s first preseason game with a high ankle sprain. He has yet to practice since then, so it would come as a surprise if he were to be back at full strength in time for Week 1. The IR-designated for return path would thus be a sensible one to take for the Titans. Tony Pollard is set to handle lead back duties once again this season, and missed time in Spears’ case would add to his workload in September.
Tennessee also has fourth-year reserve Julius Chestnut along with sixth-round rookie Kalel Mullings as depth options in the backfield. Spears moving to IR would obviously help their chances of making the Titans’ 53-man roster. Still, it would deal a blow to Tennessee’s offense. Spears has been a key rotational figure on the ground over his first two seasons, and he has totaled 82 catches in the passing game. The Tulane product’s absence will be felt provided he does wind up missing notable time early on.
Two years remain on Spears’ rookie contract. He missed five contests last season after a full run of availability as a rookie. Adding further to his time on the sidelines will not help the chances of an extension being worked out in the 24-year-old’s case, although that cannot happen until next offseason at the earliest. For now, his immediate future will be determined by how the Titans handle his roster spot over the coming days.
Titans Activate L’Jarius Sneed From PUP List; Latest On CB’s Legal Issue
L’Jarius Sneed‘s Titans tenure has started quite poorly. A quad injury shut him down last season, and a knee surgery kept him out for training camp. A legal issue has also cropped up for the high-priced trade acquisition.
The Titans did activate Sneed from their active/PUP list Wednesday, NFL.com’s Ian Rapoport notes. Sneed will return to work in a limited capacity, though he voiced an expectation (via Main Street Media’s Terry McCormick) of a Week 1 return.
Suffering the quad injury last season, Sneed underwent surgery after it healed slowly. He landed on the Titans’ active/PUP list because of a May knee procedure, further complicating his on-field return. Sneed had proclaimed himself fully healthy during an appearance at a high school football camp this summer, only to be shelved on the PUP list come camp.
“It wasn’t my decision. It was coach (Brian) Callahan’s,” Sneed said, via McCormick. “He’s taking it slow with me, and Mike (Borgonzi) is taking it slow. They’re all taking it slow to make sure I’m good for the season.”
Acquired in a deal headlined by a 2025 third-round pick, Sneed signed a four-year, $76.4MM extension upon arrival in Tennessee. That deal has yet to pay off, and an ominous prediction from a Titans team reporter — one that pegged anything the CB contributes in 2025 being a bonus — pointed to that contract delivering a disastrous return. Sneed will attempt to bounce back after a five-game 2024 and two ensuing surgeries, though a notable off-field development has also emerged.
Hit with a felony charge for aggravated assault with a deadly weapon, Sneed will see his case go to a Dallas County, Texas, grand jury September 25, according to veteran Titans reporter Paul Kuharsky. Sneed said he had “no concerns” on the case, which also includes a civil suit. Sneed and former assistant Tekonzae Williams are alleged to have fired shots out of a car at an auto dealership Dec. 6, 2024.
The civil case alleges Sneed and Williams fired shots from a rented Lamborghini Urus into another vehicle, which was parked. Though, Kuharsky adds no reported gunshot wounds emerged. Sneed’s attorney said his client did not fire any shots and did not confirm any were fired from the Urus. Sneed, who started four seasons for the Chiefs before being part of a tag-and-trade transaction, could face NFL discipline regardless of this case’s outcome.
With a grand jury appearance set for September, it is possible a ban comes this year. That would further limit Sneed with the Titans, who will attempt to salvage this investment after cutting fellow 2024 addition Chidobe Awuzie. The Titans did not draft a corner or make a notable free agency addition there, pointing to a belief Sneed — who delivered a standout 2023 season in coverage to help Kansas City to a second straight Super Bowl title — will be ready to return by Week 1.
Minor NFL Transactions: 8/19/25
Today’s minor moves:
Buffalo Bills
- Signed: WR Grant DuBose
- Waived/injured: DB Te’Cory Couch, WR Kaden Prather
- Placed on IR: RB Darrynton Evans, RB Jarveon Howard
- Released from IR: LB Justin Hollins
Detroit Lions
- Activated from active/PUP: DT Mekhi Wingo
Green Bay Packers
- Reverted to IR: DL Keith Randolph
Houston Texans
- Signed: WR Cornell Powell
- Released: RB J.J. Taylor
- Waived/injured: WR Xavier Johnson
Jacksonville Jaguars
- Signed: OL Jerome Carvin, RB Kevin Harris
- Waived: WR Darius Lassiter, DL Eli Mostaert
- Released from IR: CB Zech McPhearson
Los Angeles Rams
- Signed: OL Mike McAllister
- Waived/injured: WR Mario Williams
- Reverted to IR: LB Keir Thomas
Minnesota Vikings
- Signed: OL Zack Bailey, RB Xazavian Valladay
- Waived: LB Max Tooley
New England Patriots
- Signed: RB Micah Bernard, DT Philip Blidi
- Waived: CB Tre Avery, DE Jereme Robinson
- Reverted to IR: DE Isaiah Iton
Pittsburgh Steelers
- Signed: LB Kenny Willekes
- Waived/injured: OT Gareth Warren
- Reverted to IR: LB Devin Harper
San Francisco 49ers
- Released from IR: RB Ameer Abdullah, WR Equanimeous St. Brown
Tennessee Titans
- Released: LB Khaleke Hudson
Ameer Abdullah landed on IR earlier this month with a rib injury, but he’ll now have an opportunity to play in 2025 following his release. The veteran is coming off one of the most productive seasons of his career in 2024, when he compiled 572 yards from scrimmage in 16 games (three starts) with the Raiders. The 49ers filled his spot on the roster by signing veteran Jeff Wilson.
Equanimeous St. Brown will also have a chance to play in 2025, as the WR was previously ruled out with a foot injury. The veteran wideout only has five catches over the past two seasons.
Minor NFL Transactions: 8/18/25
Here are the latest minor moves from around the NFL:
Atlanta Falcons
- Waived/injured: QB Emory Jones
- Signed: LB Ronnie Perkins
Baltimore Ravens
- Signed: CB Thomas Graham
Carolina Panthers
- Placed on IR: TE Tyler Mabry
Chicago Bears
- Waived from IR with injury settlement: CB Ameer Speed
Dallas Cowboys
- Signed: CB Michael Ojemudia
- Waived/injured: CB Bruce Harmon
Detroit Lions
- Activated from active/PUP list: CB Khalil Dorsey
Green Bay Packers
- Signed: DL Devonte O’Malley, DB Jaylin Simpson
- Waived: CB Garnett Hollis Jr.
- Waived/injured: DL Keith Randolph
Houston Texans
- Signed: WR Juwann Winfree
Indianapolis Colts
- Signed: LB Jake Chaney, LB Joseph Vaughn
- Placed on IR: OT Blake Freeland, LB Jacob Phillips, S Hunter Wohler
Los Angeles Chargers
- Activated from active/PUP: LB Del’Shawn Phillips
Miami Dolphins
- Signed: OL Mason Brooks
- Placed on IR: OL Yodny Cajuste
Minnesota Vikings
- Signed: RB Xazavian Valladay
New England Patriots
- Signed: WR Phil Lutz
- Waived/injured: DT Isaiah Iton
New York Jets
- Placed on IR: DB Kris Boyd
Pittsburgh Steelers
- Signed: DB Kam Alexander, OT Julian Pearl
- Released: DL Breiden Fehoko, WR Roc Taylor, LB Devin Harper
Tampa Bay Buccaneers
- Signed: S Will Brooks
Tennessee Titans
- Signed: DT T.J. Smith
Ojemudia is returning to the NFL after playing for the UFL’s DC Defenders in the spring, per NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero. After starting 11 games for the Broncos as a rookie in 2020, he struggled with injuries and hasn’t played in the regular season since 2022.. The 27-year-old will add depth to a Cowboys cornerback room that isn’t expecting Trevon Diggs or Shavon Revel back until September. Second-year corner Caelen Carson is also dealing with a knee injury, so Ojemudia could get some snaps in Dallas’ last preseason game on Friday. A 53-man roster spot is unlikely given how late he signed with the team, but a strong first week could keep him in contention for the practice squad.
Winfree, a five-year veteran, will land with his fourth NFL team after a workout in Houston. The Texans also worked out former Chiefs wideout Cornell Powell, according to KRPC2’s Aaron Wilson.
Freeland, a 2023 fourth-round pick, started nine games as a rookie and spent 2024 as the Colts’ swing tackle. He will be out for the season with a fractured leg, per Colts.com writer JJ Stankevitz, as will Phillips (bicep), who hasn’t played in the regular season since 2022. Wohler sustained a Lisfranc injury, according to Joel Erickson of the Indianapolis Star. The seventh-round safety will miss his rookie year after appearing to carve out a role in the Colts defense with an impressive preseason.
Minor NFL Transactions: 8/17/25
Here are the latest minor moves from around the NFL:
Carolina Panthers
- Signed: QB Bryce Perkins
Denver Broncos
- Placed on IR: OL Nick Gargiulo
- Signed: FB Adam Prentice
Tennessee Titans
- Waived: DL Philip Blidi
Perkins, the reigning UFL MVP, will add some depth to the Panthers’ quarterback room with Andy Dalton sidelined by an elbow injury, according to ESPN’s Adam Schefter. Perkins appeared in five games for the Rams between 2020 and 2022, but has not played in the last two NFL seasons.
The Broncos were looking to add another fullback after a hamstring injury to starter Michael Burton, per Chris Tomasson of the Denver Gazette. They auditioned Prentice, Khari Blasingame, and Troy Hairston on Saturday, according to KPRC2’s Aaron Wilson, with Prentice earning a roster spot. This will be his second stint in Denver after starting his career there as an undrafted rookie in 2021.
Titans’ Cedric Gray Pushing For Starting Spot
Titans linebacker Cedric Gray entered the league as a fourth-round draftee last year, but his rookie campaign got off to an inauspicious start. He was placed on injured reserve at the end of August, and though he eventually got into seven games, he played just 48 defensive snaps. 
He stands to earn considerably more playing time in 2025. Head coach Brian Callahan, via Jim Wyatt of the Titans’ official website, said Gray has come a long way and is making a case to start alongside fellow inside ‘backer Cody Barton in the middle of Tennessee’s defense.
Gray, who will turn 23 in October, has tallied seven tackles in each of the Titans’ first two preseason games, including a half-sack in their victory over the Falcons on Friday. He made a name for himself as a prolific tackler at Chapel Hill, collecting 266 total stops across the 2022-23 seasons with UNC. The former Tar Heels’ team captain earned First-Team All-ACC acclaim in both years.
Despite being selected in the fourth round, Gray was still only the seventh linebacker off the board, and scouts lauded his football IQ. Fellow 2024 draftee James Williams, who earned one start last year, represents one of Gray’s primary competitors for playing time, but Gray offers higher upside.
In terms of total defense, the Titans were one of the NFL’s best units last season (although they finished near the bottom of the pack in scoring defense). This year, with rookie QB Cam Ward at the controls and something of a middling collection of skill-position talent, the defense will again be counted upon to keep the team competitive.
Gray is likely in position to play a key role in that regard. If he does indeed clinch a first-team spot at the second level of the defense, his performance while handling an increased workload will be something to monitor especially in the early portion of the season. Provided Gray fares well in a starting gig, he could hold onto it for years to come while playing out his rookie contract.
Adam La Rose contributed to this post.
Minor NFL Transactions: 8/14/25
Here are Thursday’s minor moves:
Atlanta Falcons
- Waived/injured: OL Tyrone Wheatley Jr.
Buffalo Bills
- Signed: DE Nelson Ceaser, TE Matt Sokol
- Released: DE Justin Hollins
- Waived: WR Jalen Virgil
Detroit Lions
- Signed: CB Allan George, OL Zack Johnson
- Placed on IR: CB Dicaprio Bootle, OL Keaton Sutherland
Houston Texans
- Released from IR via injury settlement: DL Marlon Davidson
Jacksonville Jaguars
- Activated from active/PUP list: DT Maason Smith
Los Angeles Chargers
- Signed: CB Harrison Hand
- Waived/injured: WR Dez Fitzpatrick
New Orleans Saints
- Signed: DE Jeremiah Martin
- Waived: QB Hunter Dekkers
Seattle Seahawks
- Signed: FB Wesley Steiner
- Waived: LB Michael Dowell
Tennessee Titans
- Released from IR via injury settlement: OL Chandler Brewer
Minor NFL Transactions: 8/13/25
Today’s minor moves:
Baltimore Ravens
- Waived: RB Marcus Major
Chicago Bears
- Reverted to IR: S Major Burns
Cleveland Browns
- Waived from IR: WR Luke Floriea
Green Bay Packers
- Claimed off waivers (from Raiders): WR Kawaan Baker
- Reverted to IR: CB Isaiah Dunn, RB Jalen White
Houston Texans
- Signed: TE Tre’ McKitty
- Placed on IR: TE Dalton Keene
Indianapolis Colts
- Signed: LB Marcus Haynes
- Placed on IR: WR D.J. Montgomery
Jacksonville Jaguars
- Signed: CB Keni-H Lovely
- Released from IR (injury settlement): CB Levi Wallace
Los Angeles Chargers
- Signed: CB Nehemiah Shelton
- Waived/injured: CB Jordan Oladokun
Minnesota Vikings
- Signed: LB Cam Gill, LB Max Tooley
- Reverted to IR: C Zeke Correll
New England Patriots
- Reverted to IR: RB Deneric Prince
New Orleans Saints
- Placed on IR: WR Bub Means, TE Mason Pline
San Francisco 49ers
- Signed: WR Malik Turner
- Placed on IR: DE Bradlee Anae, DE Demone Harris, LB William Bradley-King
Tampa Bay Buccaneers
- Reverted to reserve/PUP: QB Michael Pratt
Tennessee Titans
- Claimed off waivers (from Vikings): LB Brian Asamoah II
- Waived: LB Otis Reese
- Reverted to IR: LB Anfernee Orji
The Titans swapped linebackers today, replacing Otis Reese with Brian Asamoah II. The latter was waived by the Vikings yesterday, but he’ll quickly land on his feet in Tennessee. The former third-round pick spent three years in Minnesota, collecting 30 tackles in 46 games. 802 of his 990 snaps came on special teams. He’ll be taking the spot formerly held by Reese, who started five games for the Titans over the previous two seasons.
Minor NFL Transactions: 8/12/25
Here are the latest minor moves from around the league:
Arizona Cardinals
- Signed: WR Kelly Akharaiyi
- Placed on IR: WR Trishton Jackson
- Awarded via waivers: OL Roy Mbaeteka
Buffalo Bills
- Signed: S Tre Herndon
- Released: TE Matt Sokol
Chicago Bears
- Waived: WR John Jackson, K Jonathan Kim
- Waived/injured: S Major Burns
- Placed on IR: CB Shaun Wade
- Signed: S Millard Bradford, CB Mekhi Garner, CB Kaleb Hayes, S Mark Perry
Cleveland Browns
- Signed: DE Titus Leo
- Waived: WR Chase Cota
Denver Broncos
- Activated from active/PUP list: WR A.T. Perry
Green Bay Packers
- Awarded via waivers: WR Kawaan Baker
- Signed: RB Tyrion Davis-Price
Houston Texans
- Signed: OT Conor McDermott
Minnesota Vikings
- Waived: LB Brian Asamoah
- Waived/injured: C Zeke Correll
New England Patriots
- Signed: RB Shane Watts
- Waived/injured: RB Deneric Prince
Philadelphia Eagles
- Signed: DT Justin Rogers
- Waived: LS Christian Johnstone
Seattle Seahawks
- Signed: LB Alphonzo Tuputala
Tampa Bay Buccaneers
- Waived: K Ryan Coe
- Waived/injured: QB Michael Pratt
Tennessee Titans
- Signed: LB Khaleke Hudson
- Waived: LB David Gbenda
- Waived/injured: Anfernee Orji
Mbaeteka was waived by the Browns on Monday and quickly found a new home in Arizona. The Nigeria native has an international player exemption, per Howard Balzer of CardsWire, allowing the Cardinals to carry 91 players on their preseason roster. The exemption also makes Mbaeteka eligible to be an extra 17th player on the team’s practice squad.
Herndon, 29, will add some defensive back depth to Buffalo’s secondary. Interestingly, the Bills listed Herndon as a safety when they announced his signing, though the seven-year veteran has primarily played both outside and slot cornerback throughout his career.
Price, a 49ers third-round pick in 2022, has only played 105 total snaps in his first three NFL seasons. In Green Bay, he’ll fight for a roster spot in the Packers’ backfield behind Josh Jacobs, Emanuel Wilson, and MarShawn Lloyd.
Asamoah’s release by the Vikings was a bit of a surprise given that the 2022 third-rounder has appeared in 46 games over the last three seasons, primarily as a core special teams contributor. However, he had yet to develop into a reliable defender in Brian Flores‘ scheme and will look to compete for a role elsewhere.
Johnstone’s release signals that offseason signing Charley Hughlett will be the Eagles’ long snapper for the 2025 season.