The Tennessee Titans’ secondary got exposed in Week 1, and now a possible fix may be inching toward the market.
Against the New York Jets, Tennessee watched Geno Smith carve up the defense in a 23-10 win. Smith completed 19 of 24 passes for 215 yards, and Garrett Wilson repeatedly found room on the back end, finishing with six catches for 79 yards. PFF credited Smith with a 104.0 passer rating, a number that only underscores how shaky the Titans looked on the back end.
That’s why the name to watch is Joey Porter Jr. If the Pittsburgh Steelers’ cornerback situation continues to drift toward a split, Tennessee should be paying close attention. The Titans already showed some urgency by starting rookie linebacker Anthony Hill Jr. after just one week, and that same aggressive approach could make sense if they decide to pursue help in the secondary.
The Steelers corner missed Week 1 with what was listed as a back issue, but the bigger story is the contract dispute hanging over him. Brooke Pryor and Jeremy Fowler reported that a source familiar with the situation said, "I don't know if he [Porter] ever puts on a Steelers uniform again."
That kind of uncertainty naturally pushes trade talk to the front of the line. The Patriots were in a similar conversation with Christian Gonzalez before he was extended, and Pittsburgh could still choose that route. But with each passing week, that outcome feels less likely.
For Tennessee, Porter would be a strong answer. He has picked off a pass in each of his three seasons with the Steelers, added a sack last year, and set a career high with 14 passes defended in 14 games. According to PFF, he also ranked third in passer rating allowed and third in forced incompletions in the NFL in 2025.
Alontae Taylor and Cordale Flott were too pricey for the Titans to move on from after only two games, but Porter is a different conversation entirely. Bringing him in as competition would be a far more appealing swing.
And if the Steelers do open the door, Tennessee would be wise to be ready. The longer this situation drags on, the more this looks like the kind of move that could happen sooner rather than later. If Porter becomes available, the Titans should absolutely be in the mix.
In Other News...
Titans Already Have One Early Trust Problem Fans Can Feel
The Titans opened the season with the kind of performance that can linger with a fan base already worn down by recent struggles. A loss to the Jets brought back familiar frustration, and while rookie quarterback Cam Ward did find the end zone, his day was otherwise uneven as Tennessee spent much of the afternoon chasing the game.
Anthony Hill Jr. offered a rare bright spot on a rough opening weekend, leading the league with 16 tackles in Week 1 and giving the defense a player to point to early. But the bigger concern sits on the other side of the ball, where Brian Daboll's offense had a hard time generating yards or points, leaving Tennessee with an early trust issue that goes beyond one bad Sunday. [Read more 🡒]
Jets Win Suddenly Looks Even Bigger For Cam Ward's Rough Start
The Titans Week 1 loss to the Jets has taken on a little more weight now that the conversation around Cam Ward has shifted so quickly into his next challenge. Wards debut raised enough concern to leave Tennessee looking for a steadier answer under center, and the scrutiny only grows with the Eagles up next and one of the leagues tougher defenses waiting on the other side.
ESPN analyst Seth Walder pushed the discussion into sharper territory by predicting Ward could throw at least three interceptions against Philadelphia, a scenario that would be a jolt for any rookie quarterback. Ward has generally steered clear of multiple-pick games in his career, which is why the projection stands out as more of a warning sign than a forecast, but it still adds another layer of pressure to a start that already feels important for Tennessee. [Read more 🡒]
Titans Need A Week 2 Response And These Playmakers Could Deliver
The Titans spent the opening week trying to sort out what worked, what didnt and where they can lean for a much-needed reset against the Eagles. A few familiar names are in position to matter, and the matchup gives Tennessee a chance to get more out of its best defensive pieces while also squeezing some production from the offense in spots where it has been searching for rhythm.
Dee Jay Dallas is expected back from concussion protocol, which could give the Titans another body to help in the run game and on defense against Philadelphias ground attack. Treylon Burks remains one of the primary receiving options, and Jeffery Simmons is the kind of interior presence who can shape a game if hes disruptive early. Franklin-Myers also looks like a player who could benefit from a more favorable individual matchup if the Eagles offensive line is as vulnerable as it has appeared. [Read more 🡒]