Tennessee Titans Urged to Pursue Four-Time Pro Bowler to Boost Defense
After a dismal 2024 NFL season in which the Tennessee Titans posted a league-worst 3-14 record, the team entered the offseason with a clear mission: to rebuild and reposition themselves as a competitive force under new head coach Brian Callahan. While progress has been made on several fronts, questions remain—especially on the defensive side of the ball.
Offensively, the Titans made a few major moves. Most notably, they secured Cam Ward as their new franchise quarterback, signaling a fresh start under center. They also strengthened their offensive line and brought in new talent at wide receiver to give Ward the weapons and protection he’ll need in his rookie campaign. These changes aim to give the Titans more balance and productivity on offense, but whether they’ve done enough on defense is still up for debate.
One area of concern is Tennessee’s pass rush, which was among the league’s weakest in 2024. The defense ranked 30th in points allowed and had the third-fewest sacks in the league. That glaring weakness prompted Bleacher Report’s Moe Moton to recommend a savvy veteran addition: Matthew Judon, a four-time Pro Bowl edge rusher.
In a recent article, Moton suggested that the Titans explore the idea of signing Judon to bring experience and production to a lackluster front seven. The need is evident after the team released Harold Landry III earlier in the offseason. Now, Tennessee will depend heavily on Dre’Mont Jones and Arden Key to pressure opposing quarterbacks. Rookie Oluwafemi Oladejo, selected in the second round, might contribute, but he’s still unproven at the NFL level. That opens the door for a veteran like Judon to make a difference.
While Judon is no longer at the peak of his career—he’s entering his age-33 season—he still has the potential to contribute meaningfully as a rotational pass rusher. According to Moton, Judon “can still record a handful of sacks for a team that doesn’t have a standout pass-rusher.” In other words, he may not be the elite edge threat he once was, but he has the tools and experience to help Tennessee shore up a vulnerable defense.
Judon spent the 2024 season with the Atlanta Falcons, where he logged 5.5 sacks. While not eye-popping, that number is respectable for a veteran with reduced snaps. More importantly, Judon’s 2022 campaign with the New England Patriots—when he racked up 15.5 sacks—reminds teams that he still has the ability to produce when placed in the right system. For the Titans, who are still trying to establish a defensive identity, that kind of upside is hard to ignore.
Another benefit of pursuing Judon is the low-risk nature of the potential deal. With limited options in free agency and no proven star edge rushers currently on the roster, bringing in Judon could serve as both a short-term upgrade and a mentorship opportunity for the younger players. It wouldn’t require a massive financial commitment either, making it an affordable move for a team that still has holes to fill.
Ultimately, adding Judon would align with Tennessee’s offseason strategy of making calculated improvements without overextending themselves. The team has taken meaningful steps to rebuild, but the defense still lacks the firepower needed to pressure opposing quarterbacks consistently. Judon, even in a reduced role, could help address that.
As the Titans aim to bounce back in 2025, reinforcing the pass rush should be a top priority. A proven veteran like Matthew Judon might not be a long-term solution, but he could be exactly the kind of presence the team needs in the short term—experienced, capable, and hungry to prove he still has something left in the tank.
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