Tennessee Titans

The Tennessee Titans reportedly haven't been motivated to negotiate potential trades for the No. 1 pick in the 2025 NFL draft.

During this week's episode of The Adam Schefter Podcast (15:20 mark), ESPN's Adam Schefter reported that "the Titans, so far, have not entertained any real offers" from other teams looking to trade up to the top spot.

Schefter added that he feels the Cleveland Browns "potentially could" try to trade up from No. 2 to No. 1, and the New York Giants "are gonna make a bold, aggressive play at some point" to try to trade up from the No. 3 pick.

The Titans will have a tough choice to make with the top selection, as they could choose a future franchise quarterback like Miami's Cam Ward or Colorado's Shedeur Sanders, or they could choose a highly-touted prospect like Colorado two-way phenom Travis Hunter or Penn State edge rusher Abdul Carter.

However, Schefter said he believes Ward has already emerged as the favorite to be the No. 1 pick.

"I think it's becoming more and more apparent that Cam Ward is destined to be the No. 1 pick in this draft, and that the Titans currently have that pick and I can see them taking Cam Ward," he said. "And if they're not taking Cam Ward, then it's in their best interest to say they're taking Cam Ward, because then they can leverage that slot and trade that pick for as much in return as they could possibly get."

The Tennessee Titans are expected to sign a veteran quarterback in free agency while keeping an eye on Miami signal-caller Cam Ward with the No. 1 overall pick in the 2025 NFL draft, according to ESPN's Jeremy Fowler.

"Most people around the league still do expect that Miami quarterback Cam Ward will be firmly on Tennessee's radar and could be the pick at No. 1," Fowler said during a Friday appearance on NFL Live. "If you do that, they just need somebody to hold down the fort for a year."

It shouldn't be an issue for the Titans to address the quarterback position in both free agency as well as the draft, as they own the ninth-most cap space in the NFL (via Over the Cap).

Tennessee earned the No. 1 pick by finishing with a 3-14 record in 2024, starting multiple signal-callers including Will Levis and Mason Rudolph. Both players combined to throw for just 3,317 yards and 22 touchdowns compared to 21 interceptions.

It makes sense that the Titans are searching for external options in free agency, especially if they aren't completely committed to adding Ward.

Fowler and ESPN's Turron Davenport surveyed "dozens of league personnel" at the 2025 NFL scouting combine in Indianapolis, with the "majority" believing that Tennessee prefers to trade down in the draft.

Still, Titans general manager Mike Borgonzi praised Ward at the combine.

"It's a positive that he has that grit and determination to prove other people wrong," Borgonzi said, per Jim Wyatt of the team's official website. "Every place he was at, he performed at a high level—that's something you certainly take into account when you see someone that plays with that chip on their shoulder."

Ward wrapped up a stellar senior season with the Hurricanes, throwing for 4,313 yards and 39 touchdowns compared to seven interceptions. He also completed 67.2 percent of his passes.

In the latest mock draft from Bleacher Report's NFL Scouting Department, the Titans traded down from No. 1 to the No. 3 pick, while Ward was projected to be off the board at No. 2.

Tennessee met with the Miami passer on Friday, per Sports Illustrated's Albert Breer.

As the draft draws closer, the Titans will likely target a veteran quarterback on the free-agent market despite their continued interest in Ward.

The Tennessee Titans are reportedly weighing a ton of options regarding the No. 1 pick in the 2025 NFL draft.

According to ESPN's Turron Davenport and Jeremy Fowler, while there's a belief that the Titans are considering Miami quarterback Cam Ward or Penn State edge-rusher Abdul Carter with the top pick, some question whether they want to remain in the No. 1 spot at all.

"Those same people believe the Titans' three primary options will be Ward, Carter and trading out of the top spot. The majority of league personnel surveyed by ESPN believe Tennessee prefers to trade out," Davenport and Fowler stated.

Despite Ward separating himself from the pack as the top quarterback prospect in this year's draft class, there's a chance that Tennessee could trade down and still find a better fit for its offense, such as Colorado's Shedeur Sanders.

"Ward is the consensus No. 1 quarterback in the draft—by a comfortable margin, according to some. But Sanders' pocket-passing ability as a deft processor is appreciated and will make for an easy NFL transition, thus he becomes a slightly better fit for a Brian Callahan offense in Tennessee, according to multiple scouts," Davenport and Fowler explained.

Will Levis is the only quarterback under contract for the Titans. If they sign a veteran signal-caller in free agency, it would reduce the need to draft Ward or Sanders and allow the team to focus on other highly-touted prospects like Carter or Colorado two-way star Travis Hunter.

In his most recent mock draft, ESPN's Jordan Reid predicted that thought process would influence Tennessee to trade down from No. 1 to No. 3 to select Carter.

"Based on the intel I gathered at the combine, Tennessee will explore trading down while staying in range to pick the first non-QB off the board," Reid stated.

It sounds like the possibilities are endless for the Titans and the No. 1 pick with less than two months remaining before the 2025 draft begins on April 24.

The Tennessee Titans have not given up on Will Levis as the future franchise quarterback.

The Titans hold the top pick in the 2025 NFL Draft and would be able to take whatever quarterback they prefer in April. However, Dianna Russini of The Athletic reported on the Scoop City Podcast that the Titans are discussing trading out of the pick and prefer to "make things work" with the 2023 second-round pick.

“They're having conversations with other organizations about moving out," Russini said (33:30 mark). "So I don't know what they're doing. I know that they still want to make things work with Will Levis."

Levis made 12 starts for the Titans in 2024, throwing for 2,091 yards with 13 touchdowns and 12 interceptions. He compiled a 2-10 record, was sacked 41 times and had 10 fumbles.

While it wasn't an ideal season for Levis and the Titans, he is only entering his third season and has shown flashes of arm talent during his time in Tennessee. While the Titans could look to one of the top quarterbacks available, they could instead trade out for some draft capital to improve the depth of the roster while giving Levis another opportunity to showcase his development.

The trade market for pass-rushers this offseason has added another name to the list, with Harold Landry III allowed to pursue a deal.

Per ESPN's Adam Schefter, the Tennessee Titans have given Landry's camp permission to seek a trade prior to the start of free agency on March 10.

The offseason trade market for pass-rushers is getting fairly deep. Myles Garrett has already requested a trade, though the Cleveland Browns insist they have no interest in moving the six-time Pro Bowler.

There have also been rumblings about Maxx Crosby potentially being available, but he's made it clear he hopes to remain with the Las Vegas Raiders.

While Landry isn't at the level of Garrett or Crosby, he's been a very productive player throughout his career. The 28-year-old led the Titans with nine sacks last season. His 19.5 sacks since the start of 2023 is tied for 14th in the NFL.

Landry's contract still has two years and $35 million remaining, though his salary in each of the next two seasons isn't guaranteed. The Titans would save $10.6 million against the cap in 2025 by moving him.

It's perhaps not a coincidence the Titans have given Landry permission to seek a trade at a time when they have been connected to Penn State star Abdul Carter with the top pick in the 2025 NFL draft.

Even though quarterback is the most obvious position of need in Tennessee, president of football operations Chad Brinker has said the team "won't pass on a generational talent" at the top of the draft.

It's unclear if the Titans regard anyone as a potential generational talent in this class.

Regardless of what their plan ends up being with the No. 1 overall pick, the Titans have so many roster needs right now that potentially recouping additional draft assets if they're able to trade Landry would be a smart move for the organization.

Landry, a second-round pick in 2018, has recorded 50.5 sacks in 98 career games. He missed the entire 2022 season due to a torn ACL, but has played all 34 games since returning in 2023.

All eyes are on the Tennessee Titans ahead of April's NFL draft, but the team with the No. 1 overall pick is taking its time.

"I don't think we're anywhere near making a decision if we're going to stay put and make the pick or trade out," Titans general manager Mike Borgonzi told NFL Network's Ian Rapoport (30-second mark) on Tuesday. "It's early on in the process right now for that decision."

Tennessee is certainly unsettled at quarterback for the long-term future, but this draft class is also considered to be weak at signal-caller. In fact, Miami's Cam Ward (No. 8) and Colorado's Shedeur Sanders (No. 16) are the only quarterbacks in the top 50 of the latest big board of prospects from B/R's NFL Scouting Department.

If the Titans decide Ward or Sanders is good enough to be the face of their franchise, then it doesn't matter that there isn't a ton of high-upside depth in this year's quarterback class. All it will take is the front office falling in love with one of those two prospects to drastically alter the AFC South team's future.

However, the Titans may ultimately decide neither Ward nor Sanders is worth taking at No. 1 overall.

That is when the possibility of a trade would become a real one, as they could get a haul in return from another quarterback-needy team that does believe in Ward or Sanders. 

It wasn't long ago the Chicago Bears traded the No. 1 pick of the 2023 NFL draft to the Carolina Panthers in exchange for wide receiver DJ Moore, two draft picks in 2023, a 2024 first-rounder that became the No. 1 overall pick and a 2025 second-rounder. Carolina believed in Bryce Young at No. 1 overall and responded accordingly by offering such a significant return package.

Perhaps Tennessee can get something similar in return this year, and if that was the case it would make sense for the front office to take its time and wait for the best offer.

Or perhaps it will become enamored with a prospect such as Colorado cornerback/wide receiver Travis Hunter or Penn State pass-rusher Abdul Carter. They are the top two players on the B/R big board and could be foundational anchors for the defense for years to come.

Last month, Titans president of football operations Chad Brinker told reporters: "We won't pass on a generational talent with the first pick in the NFL draft. We won't do that."

If the team ultimately decides Carter or Hunter is a "generational talent" after taking its time studying the film and evaluating all the options, don't be surprised if it isn't a quarterback at No. 1 overall.

The Tennessee Titans own a valuable commodity with the No. 1 pick in the 2025 NFL draft, and teams around the league are exploring the possibility of making a deal for it.

While speaking to reporters at the NFL Scouting Combine in Indianapolis on Tuesday, first-year Titans general manager Mike Borgonzi confirmed that other teams have inquired about the availability of the No. 1 pick, saying, "We’ve had some phone calls. I’ll keep those phone calls close to the vest."

During his introductory press conference last month, Borgonzi expressed an openness to trading back from the No. 1 pick. The Titans own just two picks in the top 100 at No. 1 and No. 35.

"Draft picks are our biggest form of currency, so when there's opportunities to trade back to collect more picks, we're going to do that," Borgonzi said at the time.

Titans president of football operations Chad Brinker echoed Borgonzi's sentiment but noted that the team would stay put if it identified a player too good to pass up.

"We're going to look at all avenues as far as that number one pick," Brinker said. "But we won't pass on a generational talent with the first pick in the NFL Draft."

Borgonzi addressed Brinker's "generational talent" comment on Tuesday, choosing not to single anyone out and instead saying that "there’s a few players at the top that fit that build."

Penn State defensive end Abdul Carter and Colorado two-way phenom Travis Hunter are widely regarded as the top prospects in this year's draft class, but the Titans could also look to secure a franchise quarterback by selecting Colorado's Shedeur Sanders or Miami's Cam Ward. However, the chance to add more draft assets could be too great for Tennessee to ignore.

It's clear that Borgonzi and the Titans are facing a tough decision as the 2025 draft draws nearer.

It wasn't that long ago that the Chicago Bears traded the No. 1 overall pick of the 2023 NFL draft to the Carolina Panthers.

Well, the Tennessee Titans might want to make it two times in the last three years where the top pick is traded before the draft.

"This is exactly what I'm hearing. If there's a wish list for [general manager Mike] Borgonzi in Tennessee, it's to trade out of this pick," NFL draft analyst Todd McShay (11:35 mark) said on the Thursday episode of his show.

Notably, Borgonzi told reporters last month, "We won't pass on a generational talent with the first pick in the NFL draft."

McShay suggested those comments could be something of a smokescreen to imply to other teams the Titans are fine staying at No. 1 overall and using the selection on a potential game-changing player such as Cam Ward, Travis Hunter or Abdul Carter.

In fact, McShay even projected Carter to go No. 1 overall to the Titans in his mock draft.

On the surface, Tennessee likely needs a long-term answer at quarterback. But if it doesn't think Ward or Shedeur Sanders are worth selecting with that top pick, it could get a haul in return and address other needs on a team that has room for improvement in multiple areas after going 3-14 last season.

Chicago got a haul when it traded its top pick to the Panthers in exchange for wide receiver DJ Moore, the Nos. 9 and 61 picks in the 2023 draft, a 2024 first-rounder than turned into the No. 1 overall selection, and a 2025 second-round pick that will be used this year.

That No. 1 overall pick in 2024 was the one the Bears used on Caleb Williams, while Carolina chose Bryce Young with the top pick in 2023.

Perhaps a quarterback-needy team will like what it sees in Ward or Sanders and jump at the chance to select its signal-caller of the future much like the Panthers did with Young. And Young finally seemed to hit his stride at the end of the 2024 campaign after a rough start to his career.

Or perhaps the Titans will follow McShay's projection and select Carter, who the draft analyst called "the best player in this draft."

There is still plenty of time before the first round on April 24 for the Titans' front office to make up its mind with that No. 1 pick. For now, it holds the cards that will start the upcoming draft and will have the right to select any player it prefers.

But if one of the players don't stand out, it could move that No. 1 pick.

With an underwhelming 2025 draft class, Albert Breer of Sports Illustrated expects the top five teams to "look at the idea of trading down."

Due to the lack of high-end talent, particularly at quarterback, most teams view Travis Hunter and Abdul Carter as the only "real blue-chip" prospects in the draft, per Breer.

However, this is what could make it difficult for top five teams to find others who are willing to trade up.

2025 NFL draft order top five is:

1. Tennessee Titans 
2. Cleveland Browns 
3. New York Giants
4. New England Patriots 
5. Jacksonville Jaguars. 

According to Bleacher Report's NFL Scouting Department, the top five players are:

1. Travis Hunter (cornerback)
2. Abdul Carter (edge)
3. Mason Graham (defensive lineman) 
4. Tetairoa McMillan (wide receiver)
5. Malakai Starks (safety)

Post-Super Bowl predictions have Cam Ward going No. 1 overall to the Titans who are in desperate need of new talent at the quarterback position.

In late January, the Titans made it clear that they intend to keep the top pick.

"We won't pass on a generational talent with the first pick in the NFL draft," Brinker said, per NFL's Eric Edholm. "We won't do that."

However, the team's decision is far from final. According to NFL insider Ian Rapoport, sources say that Tennessee "has an open mind with the first pick."

"All options are on the table, including possibly trading the pick, and the Titans are expected to receive calls from other teams," Rapoport wrote.

If Tennessee, which finished last season with a 3-14 record, trades the No. 1 pick, it would mark the second time in three years that the top selection has been moved. The Chicago Bears traded theirs to the Carolina Panthers in 2023.

The only team that seems likely to stand firm on keeping its pick is the Browns, who are still dealing with the Myles Garrett situation after his trade request. With Abdul Carter available as a standout edge-rusher to potentially replace him, it seems unlikely Cleveland would trade down.

"Considering Garrett's current stance, the Browns are in desperate need of an edge-rusher," Matt Holder of Bleacher Report said. "While Carter won't be able to fill Garrett's shoes right away—no one can—the Penn State product is by far the best pass-rusher in this year's draft class."

The 2025 NFL draft kicks off on April 24 with Round 1.

The Tennessee Titans will have a wide array of options with the No. 1 overall pick in the 2025 NFL draft, but ESPN draft guru Mel Kiper Jr. believes Travis Hunter should be the selection.

In a conversation with ESPN's Field Yates regarding the Titans' choice with the No. 1 pick, Kiper confirmed he would add the Colorado two-way standout.

"If you asked me the question, I would take Travis Hunter," Kiper said (32:15 mark).

He also explained why he's been impressed with Hunter throughout the predraft process.

"Travis Hunter, what he does, he's effortless," Kiper said (28:00 mark). "He is so smooth. You don't realize how fast he is because he's such a smooth athlete. He's so smart. He's so tough. His stamina and endurance level is through the roof. I'm taking Travis Hunter if I'm taking the best player in this draft."

Tennessee's intentions with the top pick aren't clear. ESPN's Dan Graziano reported Saturday that he talked to "multiple people who think the Titans could trade out of the top pick."

If the Titans decide to stay put, they could target a quarterback given the struggles of starter Will Levis in 2024. Still, Titans president of football operations Chad Brinker didn't commit to selecting a signal-caller.

"We won't pass on a generational talent with the first pick in the NFL draft," Brinker said, via NFL.com's Eric Edholm. "We won't do that."

Hunter, the winner of the 2024 Heisman Trophy, is coming off an incredible season with the Buffaloes. He excelled at both wide receiver and cornerback, recording 1,258 yards and 15 touchdowns as a wideout. He also racked up 36 tackles, 11 passes defensed and four interceptions at cornerback.

Hunter was ranked as the No. 1 overall player in the 2025 draft class on the latest big board from Bleacher Report's NFL Scouting Department.

The Titans could look to move down from the top pick or select a quarterback, but Kiper is adamant that they should stay put and acquire Hunter.