With the NFL trade deadline set for November 10, the Titans are entering a stretch where every week can change how they view certain players. Tennessee’s 1-5 start has already pushed the roster into a place where possible moves are part of the conversation, and Week 7 against the Browns stands out as a particularly intriguing checkpoint.
The reason is Tony Pollard.
Last December, when Tennessee met Cleveland in the snow, Pollard delivered the kind of performance that can shape a game and stick in the memory. He set a career high with 161 rushing yards, ripped off a career-long 65-yard touchdown in the first quarter and finished with two scores in a Titans win.
The Browns’ defense won’t look exactly the same this time around. They have a new defensive coordinator and have swapped Myles Garrett for Jared Verse, but Cleveland is still giving up 112 rushing yards per game, according to TeamRankings. That opens the door for Tennessee to lean on the run again, especially with the offense struggling badly through the air.
Pollard is positioned to get that workload. He has steadily pulled away from the split role he opened the season in with Tyjae Spears, and last week against the Colts, Spears was on the field for just 11 snaps while Pollard played 35.
Spears also had only one rushing attempt. For now, the backfield belongs to Pollard.
That makes this matchup about more than just production. If Pollard puts together another strong outing against Cleveland, he could strengthen his case as one of the most movable names on the roster. Sports Illustrated’s Matt Verderame recently included Pollard in his top 10 players who could be dealt before the deadline.
The fit is there. Pollard is in the final year of his contract, the Titans added backfield depth earlier this year and the team is in “sell mode” as the rebuild continues under Robert Saleh.
So if Pollard delivers another big day against the Browns, it may not just help Tennessee on Sunday. It could also be the latest push toward a trade that makes more sense by the week.
In Other News...
Vrabel Had An Emotional Reaction To A Former Titan Beating Him
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.
For Titans fans, it is a familiar kind of story: a player once cast aside finding his footing elsewhere and showing it in a high-pressure moment. Vrabels reaction carried a trace of emotion because the turnaround is hard to ignore, especially after Santos was cut by the Titans in 2019 following a rough game in which he missed four field goals. Even in defeat, Vrabel sounded genuinely proud of the progress Santos has made since then. [Read more 🡒]
Titans Suddenly Have A Real Chance To Build Momentum Sunday
The Titans finally have a little something to build on as they come home Sunday with a chance to stack a second straight strong performance against the Browns. After getting their first win of the season, Tennessee showed some life on offense by scoring on every second-half possession in its last game, a useful sign for a unit that has been looking for any kind of rhythm. For a team still trying to steady itself, the timing matters as much as the result.
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 🡒]
Cedric Gray May Be Forcing A Titans Linebacker Shift
Cedric Gray spent the early part of the season working from behind after a concussion kept him out of the opener and left veteran Cody Barton ahead of him in the snap count. For a Titans defense that has been sorting out roles at linebacker, Grays slow ramp-up made it seem like the rotation might settle around Barton and the more established pieces.
Week 6 brought a noticeable shift, though, with Gray playing more snaps than Barton and drawing praise from defensive coordinator Gus Bradley for the way he has handled communication and leadership. Gray said he is trying to take on more control, and the coaching staff expects his workload to grow, which makes the linebacker picture worth watching as Tennessee keeps refining the middle of its defense. [Read more 🡒]