Tennessee Titans defensive end Denico Autry Andrew Nelles / Tennessean.com / USA TODAY NETWORK

Insider expects Titans to be active on trade front

The Tennessee Titans are one of the more intriguing teams to watch with Tuesday’s 4 p.m. ET trade deadline approaching, and The Athletic’s NFL insider Dianna Russini believes the team is poised to make a deal or two.

During an appearance on 102.5 The Game’s “Robby and Rexrode” on Tuesday morning, Russini stated the Titans are likely to hold on to enough pieces to be competitive down the stretch, but they could also look to move some of their players in the final year of their contracts to acquire some additional draft picks.

“I think they’re taking calls,” Russini said. “…You keep guys like Derrick Henry and DeAndre Hopkins — pieces that can help Will (Levis) continue to produce. … From talking to other GMs around the league about how (GM) Ran (Carthon) has been handling business, it really sounds likes he’s open (to making a deal). They’re just really trying to get good compensation knowing they need draft capital.”

While Henry and Hopkins are likely Tennessee’s best trade assets, holding on to one or both makes as much sense as trading them. Both players would likely fetch at least a third- or fourth-round pick plus an additional late-rounder, but both also play key roles in the offense, which now appears to be rookie Will Levis’ to lose.

Aside from the two offensive stars, the Titans have other appealing pieces that could help contending teams, specifically on defense. SI.com’s Albert Breer believes of the players Tennessee has had talks about moving, edge-rusher Denico Autry and defensive tackle Teair Tart are the most likely to be dealt.

Quarterback Ryan Tannehill could be appealing to a team like the Atlanta Falcons, Minnesota Vikings or New York Jets, who all have capable starters but would presumably like to have an insurance policy just in case.

Titans head coach Mike Vrabel told reporters on Monday that the team is willing to listen to offers for anybody on the roster. Tennessee already traded two-time All-Pro safety Kevin Byard to the Philadelphia Eagles last week for 2024 fifth- and sixth-round picks plus backup safety Terrell Edmunds.

“If Ran tells me that somebody called we’ll talk about whoever player they called about and what they would offer and make a decision,” Vrabel said. “…I think we owe it to the team to listen as diligently as possible on anybody that would call. Regardless of player, person or position. Just to make sure that we’re doing right by the football team.”

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