The Tennessee Titans announced their initial 53-man roster on Aug. 30 as the NFL’s mandatory cut deadline arrived, leaving the team with a mix of established veterans and younger players who emerged during training camp and the preseason.
The most prominent departure was quarterback Will Levis, who started games early in his Titans tenure and had been viewed at one point as a potential long-term answer under center. The team also released offensive guard Cordell Volson, wide receiver K.J. Osborn and defensive end Malik Herring, among others.
Roster moves and immediate implications
Although the roster is set at 53 players for now, Tennessee’s personnel picture can still change quickly. The Titans hold the No. 4 spot in the NFL waiver order, which allows them to submit claims on players other clubs released during cut-down. The deadline to place waiver claims is noon Central on Aug. 31, and any player the Titans are awarded via waivers must be signed directly to the active roster.
That means the club could yet add reinforcements or swap depth before the regular season begins. The waiver period often reshapes rosters around the league as teams look to address sudden needs or scoop up promising young players who became available on cut day.
Key names retained on the active roster
Tennessee’s active roster includes a mixture of offensive and defensive pieces the team expects to use early in the season. At quarterback, the Titans retained Cam Ward and Mitchell Trubisky.
The backfield features Tony Pollard, Tyjae Spears, rookie Nick Singleton and Julius Chestnut. The receiving corps lists established players such as Calvin Ridley alongside younger contributors including Carnell Tate and Wan’Dale Robinson. The offensive tight ends include Gunnar Helm, Daniel Bellinger, David Martin-Robinson and Kylen Granson.
On the defensive front, edge rushers and linemen kept their spots, with names like Jeffery Simmons, John Franklin-Myers and Jermaine Johnson II listed among the interior and edge rotation. The linebacking group includes Cedric Gray, Cody Barton and James Williams Sr.. The secondary features cornerbacks Alontae Taylor and Cor’Dale Flott, and safeties including Amani Hooker.
Notable cuts
The decision to move on from Levis is the most visible. Once the player many considered a potential franchise quarterback, Levis had been given starting opportunities earlier in his Tennessee tenure before being replaced. His release leaves the club with veteran depth at quarterback and opens a path for the Titans to pursue alternatives via waivers or free agency.
Other veterans who did not make the 53 include Volson, a guard with starting experience, and Osborn, a receiver who had played in significant roles elsewhere. Their departures reduce immediate depth but create cap and roster flexibility for the club.
Practical timing and what to watch next
- Waiver claim deadline: noon CT, Aug. 31.
- Waiver order: Titans hold the No. 4 position.
- Roster additions: Any player claimed must be signed to the 53-man roster.
The waiver window will be the immediate test of how final this roster is. Teams across the NFL routinely file claims and make last-minute adjustments, and Tennessee could add a player or two if a specific need emerges or a appealing player becomes available.
Where the roster stands
Below is a compact look at how key position groups were listed on Tennessee’s 53-man roster for the start of the 2026 season.
| Position | Notable names retained |
|---|---|
| Quarterback | Cam Ward, Mitchell Trubisky |
| Running back | Tony Pollard, Tyjae Spears, Nick Singleton |
| Wide receiver | Calvin Ridley, Carnell Tate, Wan’Dale Robinson |
| Defense | Jeffery Simmons, John Franklin-Myers, Cedric Gray |
Fans and analysts will be watching Tennessee’s waiver activity closely through the deadline and into the coming days. The composition of the 53-man roster sets the stage for the first weeks of the regular season, but given the timing and the nature of NFL roster management, further change is likely before Week 1.
Brandon McAllister, State Correspondent
