The Tennessee Titans enter training camp with one of the most stacked rosters in the NFL. After going 11-5 last year, the front office found a way to improve the offense even more so by adding Julio Jones. What's more impressive, is the Titans aggressively changed their defensive roster, bringing in Bud Dupree, Janoris Jenkins, Denico Autry, and a couple of hungry rookies in the secondary.
The Titans clearly put themselves in a Super Bowl window as they arguably have the best offense in the league. If the defense can manage to jump from being one of the worst to average, this franchise should be able to make a deep run in the 2021 postseason.
Even with all of this talent, the Titans could still be in the market to make a trade. Considering this organization is in a “win now” situation, it might be worth giving up draft stock to ensure a better roster moving forward. We may see one or two trades come to fruition before the start of the season that could give Tennessee a huge advantage. With that said, here are three potential trade candidates for the Titans entering training camp.
Tennessee has been linked to Stephon Gilmore since the beginning of the offseason. It's become unlikely the New England Patriots trade their star cornerback, as Gilmore has claimed he wants to stay in New England. Even so, the Patriots seem hesitant in offering Gilmore an extension.
For that reason, there is reason to believe the Titans could pull off a trade with the Patriots. New England clearly is looking for a first-round pick in return, which the Titans could afford to lose. Gilmore would immediately become the Titans' top corner and join a group with Janoris Jenkins, Kristian Fulton, Caleb Farley, and Elijah Molden. The secondary becomes elite after this trade, which pairs well with Jeff Simmons and Bud Dupree attacking the backfield.
OJ Howard
After opting to not re-sign Jonnu Smith, the Titans have been rumored to make a move on a tight end all offseason. As of now, it seems like it's Anthony Firkser's role to lose, as he could be in for a big year as the starting tight end. However, there are still rumblings around the rumor mill the Titans are interested in acquiring another tight end before the start of the season.
Tennessee seems out on trading for Zach Ertz, but another solid option would be OJ Howard. He's coming off an injury and hasn't quite lived up to the hype since entering the NFL. Howard has shown flashes, but he's in a stacked tight end room where Rob Gronkowski will dominate the pass targets. OJ Howard is a great athlete that could give Tennessee another versatile weapon. The Titans' offense is already elite, but trading for an uber-athletic tight end like OJ Howard puts them way over the top.
Typically NFL franchises don't conduct trades with their division rivals, but this one would make a ton of sense. The Jacksonville Jaguars have already said that Gardner Minshew is available and are interested in receiving a fourth or fifth-round pick. This would be a very underrated acquisition for the Titans, as Minshew would be a much-improved backup quarterback for Tennessee.
Garnder Minshew has shown he can play during his time in Jacksonville. The Jaguars have been terrible and he hasn't had the best protection. Even so, Minshew gives it his all and isn't afraid to sling the ball when he needs to. He'd come into Tennessee as the immediate backup behind Ryan Tannehill, while also serving as a possible long-term option once Tannehill's contract comes to an end.
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