Grading the Titans' 4 Biggest Roster Decisions After Cut Day

Giving the Tennessee Titans a grade for four of their most notable roster moves now that the ever-eventful cut deadline has officially passed.

Aug 29, 2026; Nashville, Tennessee, USA; Tennessee Titans head coach Robert Saleh walks the sideline against the Chicago Bears during the first half at Nissan Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Steve Roberts-Imagn Images | IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

Both 53-man roster cuts and waiver additions have mostly come and gone, with leftovers from the latter providing the only remaining promise for any offseason drama. For the most part, we're wrapped up; what the Titans have is what the Titans have.

There were a handful of surprises in Tennessee's decision-making, but for the most part, Robert Saleh and his staff didn't stray too far outside the norm. Will Levis was the "big" name to leave, but he's not on this list because everyone and their dog saw it coming.

The players we've gathered here are four of the most notable moves the Titans made, either by addition or subtraction. We'll rank the choices best to worst as we all cross our arms and wait for Week 1.

Retaining DE Truman Jones: A

In my opinion, this is arguably the most underrated win in the margins for Tennessee. Jones had an absolutely knockout preseason, leveling 2.5 sacks (his previous season high is 1.5) and serving as a sort of proof of concept in Saleh's revamped defense.

This is a defensive end entering just his third year - it's no wonder a completely new coaching staff could unlock his potential. Having gone from a depth defender on the edge to someone being rewarded for his capability to make a difference often, keeping Jones gets the highest grade on this list.

Cutting WR Xavier Restrepo: B+

This is a bittersweet one. Restrepo is a fan-favorite in Nashville, and has gone out of his way to prove his worthiness of a roster spot all summer. Him making the initial 53-man cut is the evidence that Restrepo more than earned that seat.

Aug 29, 2026; Nashville, Tennessee, USA; Tennessee Titans wide receiver Xavier Restrepo (87) makes a catch against the Chicago Bears during the first half at Nissan Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Steve Roberts-Imagn Images | IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

However, the waivers wait for no one, and Restrepo was let go in favor of some defensive depth that we'll get to. But as hard as this decision is to swallow, it makes sense given Tennessee's rotation at WR.

From Wan'Dale Robinson and Carnell Tate all the way down to Chimere Dike, 1-5 in that position group are names that were never on the chopping block to begin with. When it comes to depth, the receiver room may be the deepest on the entire Titans roster.

Restrepo's climb suggested a player ready for the regular season, which is why this is still not an 'A' grade. But it makes overarching sense for a team trying to balance themselves out.

Adding CB Melvin Smith Jr, S Terrell Burgess: B+

Said defensive depth gets the same grade as letting Restrepo go, given the two transactions go hand-in-hand. Smith Jr. is a second-year option in the secondary, whereas Burgess is a safety entering his sixth year in the league.

Nov 9, 2025; Charlotte, North Carolina, USA; New Orleans Saints safety Terrell Burgess (26) looks on before the game against the Carolina Panthers at Bank of America Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jim Dedmon-Imagn Images | IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

As a new duo, though, the two form a compelling pickup that eases the pain of Restrepo's loss. Smith is currently dealing with a rib injury that will help give us a better idea of his impact in Nashville, but Burgess, coming off a 16-game season with the New Orleans Saints, should be able to contribute immediately.

Tennessee did lose S Erick Hallett II in this drop/add process as well, but with more gained than lost in a Titans secondary that needs backup options, it's hard not to give this pair a thumbs up.

Signing Tackle James Hudson: C+

This is maybe the only major move that doesn't make a ton of sense. James Hudson likely came on board as a result of having been coached by both OC Brian Daboll and OL coach Carmen Bricillo, but the tackle's addition doesn't pose much reliability beyond that familiarity.

Last season with the New York Giants, Hudson lost his starting spot in Week 2 after being penalized a whopping four times in just two minutes. He allowed one sack on the season, too.

It's not an egregious signing or anything; Hudson may not even see the field in any significant minutes when it's all said and done. Hudson's signing does, however, feel like an "old friend" pickup with little apparent upside.