The Tennessee Titans secured the coveted first overall pick in the 2025 NFL Draft, the Titans face a decision that could redefine their future: should they stand pat or orchestrate another draft-day deal? The allure of the top pick is undeniable, but history whispers a compelling alternative. In 2016, the Titans’ trade with the Los Angeles Rams yielded a stockpile of picks that became cornerstone players.
With Will Levis becoming a revolving meme in 2024, and a quarterback class that isn’t considered very strong, the Titans decision seems to be making itself. One that doesn’t necessarily require selecting first overall. Imagine a scenario where the Titans trade down, accumulating a haul of draft picks, while still managing to snag a game-changing talent like Abdul Carter. This strategy could earn the team an A+ grade on draft day and, more importantly, accelerate their roster rebuild. The potential to transform one pick into a draft pick arsenal of talent is too tantalizing to ignore, and the Titans are perfectly positioned to leverage such options.
Current State of the Titans Roster
In today’s world of NFL football, the Tennessee Titans sit with $51.1 million in available cap space, placing them 11th among NFL teams. The numbers show multiple areas needing attention through free agency. The offensive line gave up 52 sacks in 2024, ranking 6th amongst NFL teams. The wide receiver room lacks firepower beyond Calvin Ridley, who had a whopping 49.2% of the team’s air yards. On defense, the front seven needs a boost; the team failed to generate a double-digit sack performer in 2024.
When the new league year kicks off March 12, notable names under consideration for next year include Mason Rudolph, Tyler Boyd, Nick Westbrook-Ikhine, and Sebastian Joseph-Day. The defensive side presents opportunities for cap relief. A post-June 1 release of Harold Landry would generate $17.5 million in cap space. Kenneth Murray’s departure before March 17 would add $7.5 million. Moving on from Amani Hooker could bring $8.1 million in space.
The Case for Trading Down
Given the uncertainty surrounding the 2025 quarterback class and the Titans’ current roster construction, trading down emerges as an attractive option. Here’s why:
- Multiple Picks, Multiple Needs: By trading down, the Titans could acquire additional draft capital to address several roster holes rather than putting all their eggs in one basket.
- Value in Later Rounds: This quarterback class’s depth means quality prospects could be available later in the draft. The Titans could potentially trade down, address other needs, and still select a quarterback they like.
- Financial Flexibility: Rookie contracts for later first-round picks are significantly less expensive than the first overall selection, giving the Titans more cap flexibility.
- Risk Mitigation: Spreading draft capital across multiple picks reduces the risk associated with investing heavily in a single, unproven player.
- Building a Complete Team: With more picks, the Titans can focus on building a strong roster around Levis, setting the stage for success regardless of who’s under center.
Will Levis development timeline
Will Levis, as of right now, is the only signal-caller signed through 2026. His first season brought challenges, with 17 turnovers in 11 games, which lead the NFL. Mike Borgonzi, the new general manager, wants to make the most of the Titans draft picks, “Look, I know the urgency to win in this league, no matter where you are,” Borgonzi said. “We’re going to be disciplined in what we do. We’re not going to make rash decisions to try and try and improve the roster in ways we don’t think should happen. We’ll supplement in free agency, but we want to build through the draft.”
Cam Ward
Cam Ward’s arm talent is undeniable. With a 67% completion rate, 4,313 yards, and 39 touchdowns in 2024, his stats pop off the page. Ward’s ability to maintain mechanics while creating outside the pocket draws comparisons to some of the NFL’s most exciting young quarterbacks. However, Ward’s gunslinger mentality is a double-edged sword. Pro Football Focus data reveals 18 turnover-worthy plays in 2024, a red flag for NFL decision-makers. His early departure from the Pop-Tarts Bowl also raised eyebrows about his competitive fire. Most would write it off as a meaningless bowl game.
Shedeur Sanders
Shedeur Sanders presents a different profile. Boasting a 74% completion rate, 4,134 yards, 37 touchdowns, and just 10 interceptions in 2024, Sanders’ decision-making and accuracy stand out. His time under NFL coordinator Pat Shurmur has clearly paid dividends, as Sanders consistently demonstrates poise under pressure. Yet, physical limitations cloud Sanders’ evaluation. At 6’2″ and 215 pounds with standard arm strength, some scouts question whether he has a first round grade.
The Rest of the Class
Beyond Ward and Sanders, the 2025 class offers a mix of dual-threat athletes, pocket passers with prototypical size, and small-school standouts looking to make the leap. While some of these prospects could develop into quality NFL starters, none currently project as the type of generational talent that justifies the first overall selection. Naming the other quarterbacks such as Jaxon Dart, Kyle McCord, Jalen Milroe, considering them for the first overall pick would be front office malpractice. Regardless of scheme fit, or talent supporting cast matters, as fans saw the emergence of quarterbacks who found the right situations in 2024. The success of these quarterbacks will heavily depend on the supporting cast and coaching staff. Teams should consider their ability to provide a stable environment and a foundation at the line of scrimmage to enhance quarterback development.
Previous successful #1 pick trades
Trading the first overall pick isn’t just a viable strategy—it’s one with a track record of success. The Titans themselves benefited from such a move in 2016, trading down with the Los Angeles Rams in a deal that helped build the foundation of their playoff teams in the late 2010s. Other successful examples: The San Diego Chargers’ trade of Eli Manning to the New York Giants in 2004 netted them Philip Rivers and additional picks. More recently, the San Francisco 49ers’ aggressive move up to select Trey Lance in 2021 gave the Miami Dolphins additional capital to accelerate their rebuild. These historical trades underscore a crucial point: the value of the first overall pick often lies in its potential to acquire multiple assets rather than a single player.
#Titans’ final haul from the Jared Goff trade:
— Jared Smola (@SmolaDS) April 29, 2017
Jack Conklin
Derrick Henry
Austin Johnson
LeShaun Sims
Kalan Reed
Corey Davis
Jonnu Smith
The Dolphins got three first-rounders back in the deal the 49ers did with them to go up for Trey Lance. Miami traded all three of them.
— Albert Breer (@AlbertBreer) November 1, 2022
• '21 pick packaged to trade up for Jaylen Waddle.
• '22 pick sent to Chiefs for Tyreek Hill.
• '23 pick sent to Broncos for Bradley Chubb.
Potential Trade Partners and Returns
As of right now, there’s no definitive list of teams that have officially called the Tennessee Titans to inquire about trading for the first overall pick in the 2025 NFL Draft. However, based on current speculation and team needs, several franchises have been mentioned as potential suitors. The Titans are reportedly open to listening to offers, and the chatter points to quarterback-hungry teams being the most likely to pick up the phone.
A trade down to picks 3-5 could still net Tennessee a blue-chip prospect while acquiring additional second or third-round selections. In a more dramatic scenario, trading down to the teens could result in a haul similar to what the Titans received in 2016: multiple first-round picks across two drafts, along with mid-round selections. This approach would give Tennessee the ammunition to draft the best players available and delay quarterback pursuit to the 2026 draft if needed.
Trade Candidates
The New York Jets have emerged as a candidate in discussions for Titans’ first overall pick. Sitting at No. 7, they could be in the mix after deciding to move on from Aaron Rodgers and reset. Whether it’s their aggressive pursuit or the compelling package they’ve put together, the Jets stand in stark contrast to other suitors.
The New York Giants, sitting at No. 3, could be one of the first in line. They’re desperate for a long-term quarterback solution after a messy season with Daniel Jones, and moving up to No. 1 would guarantee them a shot at either Shedeur Sanders or Cam Ward, the top QB prospects. The Las Vegas Raiders, picking at No. 6, are another strong candidate. They’ve been stuck in quarterback limbo for years, and trading up could land them their guy before the Giants or others snatch him. Beyond that, teams like the Cleveland Browns (No. 2) or even the New Orleans Saints (No. 9) could get involved if they’re sold on a specific quarterback and willing to pay the price.
Make the Deal
Whether you look at the 2016 Rams deal or dive into other draft deals in league history, trading the first pick is an effective method to accelerate a rebuild. The offensive line demands attention, they have a shortage of playmakers and upcoming Free Agents setting the stage for critical roster decisions. If the Titans decide that Ward and Sanders don’t blow them away at the combine, they don’t have to go all in. Looking ahead, a potential arsenal of picks and flexibility creates a reconstructed roster to the new Titans GM’s vision. As they navigate the complexities of roster building, they can create their own path of success through multiple selections rather than a single prospect.
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