In the early days of free agency, the Tennessee Titans seem to be leaning heavily on a theme of familiarity. Head coach Robert Saleh is bringing in players he knows well from his previous coaching stints. Notable additions include defensive tackle John Franklin-Myers, who played under Saleh with the New York Jets, and Jordan Elliott, a former San Francisco 49er when Saleh was the defensive coordinator.
Just when it seemed like Saleh was done reuniting with familiar faces, the Titans front office pulled off a surprise trade with the Dallas Cowboys. According to ESPN's Adam Schefter, the Titans acquired defensive tackle Solomon Thomas and a 2026 seventh-round pick (No. 225 overall) from the Cowboys, giving up their own seventh-round pick (No. 218 overall) in return.
Solomon Thomas is no stranger to Saleh's system, having worked with him since being drafted third overall by the 49ers. They spent four seasons together before Saleh took the head coaching job with the Jets in 2021.
Thomas later joined Saleh in New York from 2022 to 2024. The only gaps in their professional relationship were in 2021, when Thomas played for the Las Vegas Raiders, and last season with the Cowboys.
In Dallas, Thomas primarily served as a backup, appearing in 16 games with two starts. He recorded 27 tackles, including three for loss, two quarterback hits, and a pass breakup. With the Cowboys' depth at defensive tackle, featuring Kenny Clark and Quinnen Williams, Thomas found limited opportunities, prompting the trade to Tennessee.
Thomas isn't just rejoining Saleh; he’ll reunite with former Jets teammates like Franklin-Myers and defensive end Jermaine Johnson. Additionally, he’ll be working again with Aaron Whitecotton, the Titans' defensive line coach, who held the same position with the Jets.
Looking at the Titans' defensive tackle lineup, Thomas is expected to be a rotational piece. Jeffrey Simmons is a lock as a starter, while Franklin-Myers is likely to join him, having secured a lucrative three-year, $63 million deal. Thomas and Elliott will provide depth as the team heads into training camp and the regular season.
Saleh's strategy in Tennessee clearly emphasizes the value of familiarity, as he builds a defensive line with players he trusts. This approach aims to bring success to his tenure with the Titans, surpassing his previous coaching experiences.