The Tennessee Titans are preparing to reduce their roster to 53 players next week, following a series of preseason workouts and games. After facing off against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Atlanta Falcons, the team has just one game left against the Minnesota Vikings before finalizing the active roster.
Head coach Brian Callahan and general manager Mike Borgonzi have likely made most of their selections, but will use the final preseason game to assess remaining players before the roster cutdown deadline on Friday.
Key Players Expected to Be Released from the Titans’ Lineup
As the Titans adjust their squad for the coming season, several players appear poised to be among the final cuts. Here are three notable candidates who may not make the 53-man roster.
Van Jefferson’s Struggles Threaten His Spot on the Roster
Van Jefferson, a veteran wide receiver now entering his seventh NFL season, signed a one-year deal with the Titans earlier this offseason. Previously with teams like the Pittsburgh Steelers, Atlanta Falcons, and Los Angeles Rams, Jefferson’s preseason performances have been underwhelming.
Despite a promising connection with rookie quarterback Cam Ward during Tennessee’s 23-20 preseason victory over the Atlanta Falcons, Jefferson dropped a critical pass that would have resulted in a touchdown, marking one of the few bright spots for Ward. This costly drop has worsened Jefferson’s chances of making the final roster.
Across his NFL career, Jefferson has recorded 137 receptions totaling 1,876 yards, but recent showings indicate he may not secure a spot in Tennessee’s tight competition for receiver positions.
Tight End Josh Whyle Faces an Uncertain Future After Injury-Plagued Start
Josh Whyle, a fifth-round pick from Cincinnati, entered the NFL with hope of becoming a key target in the Titans’ passing offense. However, his rookie season was marred by injuries and limited production, placing him behind teammates Nick Vannett and Chig Okonkwo on the depth chart.
Whyle’s career numbers—28 catches for 248 yards and one touchdown last season—reflect a lack of impact. Additionally, he has only managed two touchdowns in his two-year NFL tenure. As the Titans prepare for the 2025 campaign, Whyle’s uncertain role and minimal contributions make his release likely.
David Martin-Robinson is anticipated to claim the third-string tight end position this year, joining starters Okonkwo and backup Gunnar Helm, who impressed during the preseason with his effective play.
Undrafted Wide Receiver Xavier Restrepo Trails Deep in the Depth Chart
Xavier Restrepo, signed as an undrafted free agent following the 2025 NFL Draft, showed promise during his college career at Miami, particularly his rapport with quarterback Cam Ward. Despite that, Restrepo has struggled to gain traction with the Titans’ offense during training camp and preseason games.
Assigned mainly to the third-string offensive group, Restrepo has caught only two passes for 18 yards on four targets across two preseason matchups. Currently, he is positioned lower than other receivers such as James Proche II, Bryce Oliver, and Chimere Dike, which makes securing a spot on the final roster unlikely.
Implications for the Titans as Final Roster Deadline Approaches
With the Tennessee Titans resolving their 53-man roster soon, tough choices will define their offensive rotations and depth moving forward. Veterans like Van Jefferson face the consequences of inconsistent preseason performances, while younger players such as Josh Whyle and Xavier Restrepo struggle to establish themselves in a competitive environment.
As Brian Callahan and Mike Borgonzi finalize decisions, these roster cuts will reshape Tennessee’s lineup heading into the regular season, impacting both their immediate strategy and long-term development of talent. The team’s ability to address weak spots while retaining key contributors could influence their success in the upcoming NFL season.