The Tennessee Titans finally got their first win of the season on Sunday, but that 26-20 victory over the Indianapolis Colts at Lucas Oil Stadium hasn’t changed the bigger picture much. At 1-5, Tennessee is still staring at a steep climb, and with the Nov. 10 NFL trade deadline approaching, the roster is starting to look like a team that could be more interested in collecting draft capital than chasing a miracle finish.
If the Titans decide to lean fully into the rebuild, some of the names available could be the kinds that surprise people.
One of the biggest is Jeffery Simmons. The defensive tackle keeps surfacing in trade chatter, and The Athletic recently ranked him No. 1 on its trade big board.
That kind of attention makes sense. Simmons is a three-time All-Pro and perennial Pro Bowler, and he remains one of the league’s most coveted defensive players because he impacts games from a premium spot.
Tennessee would also be staring at a heavy $21.2 million hit in 2027 if it moved him, thanks to the three-year extension he signed before the 2026 season. The Titans did add Jordan Elliott and John Franklin-Myers in the offseason to pair with Simmons, though Franklin-Myers has dealt with injuries and Elliott was recently cut after an off-the-field incident involving a firearm.
If Tennessee chooses to punt on the season, Simmons could bring back more draft value than anyone else on the roster.
Amani Hooker is another defensive name that could draw real interest. The 28-year-old safety has piled up more than 450 tackles and 14 interceptions over eight seasons, and his contract runs through the 2028 season, which only adds to his appeal.
Defensive backs tend to be attractive deadline targets for contenders, and Hooker’s age and production fit that mold. He already has two of Tennessee’s four interceptions this season, and his durability - he has played 13 or more games in each of the last three seasons - gives him even more value.
Still, with Hooker nearing 30, this could be the moment to cash in if the Titans want to maximize what he can fetch.
Tony Pollard has been one of the most talked-about possible trade chips for Tennessee all offseason, and that hasn’t changed. The 29-year-old has handled lead-back duties all year, with 87 carries and a four-yards-per-carry average.
The production hasn’t exactly jumped off the page, but Pollard has been a workhorse throughout his time in Nashville, and his durability stands out. Over the past four seasons, he has missed only two games and has rushed for 1,000-plus yards in each of those years.
Even so, running back value is usually limited, and if Tennessee is willing to move Pollard, this would be the time. The Titans have younger options behind him, including age-25 Tyjae Spears and rookie Nick Singleton, who is 22, which would make the backfield younger if Pollard is dealt.
Alonte Taylor is another potential midseason name to watch after being a healthy scratch against the Colts in Week 5. Tennessee signed the cornerback to a three-year, $58 million deal before the 2026 season, but things haven’t gone as hoped so far.
After the benching, head coach Robert Saleh told the media he is exploring a change in Taylor’s role from corner to nickel. Taylor, who is 27 and was drafted in the second round out of Tennessee, has plenty of upside left and posted four solid seasons in New Orleans.
His career line - eight sacks, three forced fumbles and four interceptions - is unusual for a defensive back. The contract could make a move difficult, but if Tennessee wants to rework pieces of the roster, Taylor is a name that belongs on the list.
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Cairo Santos has a way of turning old chapters into fresh reminders, and Mike Vrabel had to absorb another one in a recent game against his Patriots. Santos drilled a 58-yard field goal to help seal the win, and Vrabel made a point afterward to acknowledge the kickers performance, recognizing how far he has come since his time in Tennessee.
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Tony Pollard Could Decide More Than Sunday's Titans Game
With the NFL trade deadline drawing closer and the Titans sitting at 1-5, Tony Pollard has become one of the more interesting names on Tennessees roster. He has taken a leading role in the backfield this season, and with the team leaning into a rebuild under coach Robert Saleh, every week he stays productive only sharpens the questions around what comes next.
Pollard is expected to carry a significant workload Sunday against the Cleveland Browns, and the matchup may matter well beyond the final score. Because he is in the final year of his contract, a strong showing could only add to his value for a team that appears to be in sell mode, giving Tennessee a decision that reaches past Week 7 and into the deadline conversation. [Read more 🡒]
Titans Suddenly Have A Real Chance To Build Momentum Sunday
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Cleveland brings a winning record, but the matchup gives Tennessee some openings if it can carry over the same energy. The Browns offense has not been consistently productive, and their quarterback has taken more sacks than anyone in the league, which puts extra pressure on a Titans defense that should be able to make life difficult. If Tennessee can keep the offense moving and turn that pass-rush vulnerability into a few big stops, Sunday starts to look less like a reset and more like a chance to build real momentum. [Read more 🡒]