The NFL trade deadline is officially less than one week away (Nov. 10). The Tennessee Titans are obviously sellers at the deadline following their decision to trade star defensive tackle Jeffery Simmons to the Chicago Bears in exchange for two first-round picks and an additional fourth-round selection.
The Simmons trade poses a question: Who else will GM Mike Borgonzi look to trade before the deadline? We've identified three players Borgonzi should try moving for more draft capital.
Jermaine Johnson has been fairly inconsistent as a pass rusher. The Titans acquired his fifth-year rookie contract option when they traded T'Vondre Sweat to the New York Jets for him. That means Johnson is on an expiring contract. He's a good NFL player who also sets hard edges as a run defender, but getting a draft pick back for an expiring contract would be a worthwhile move. His familiarity with Robert Saleh's defense could keep him in Tennessee, but trading him would free up more snaps for Femi Oladejo and Keldric Faulk.
Veteran linebacker Cody Barton has begun losing snaps to Cedric Gray in recent weeks. Most Titans fans are surprised it took this long. Gray and Anthony Hill Jr. are the future tandem for Coach Saleh's defense. Barton is signed through 2027, which could make trading him a little complicated. He's not on an expiring contract, but any postseason contending team searching for experienced linebacker help should have interest.
Could the Titans receive anything in return for Tyjae Spears? It's a question Mike Borgonzi should be asking. Tony Pollard has been exceptional in recent weeks and Spears is also on an expiring contract. He's an athletic dual-threat back who is especially productive on passing downs. Perhaps there's an offense in the market for another third-down playmaker.
