Cedric Gray Is Now Titans' Longest-Tenured Defender

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Cedric Gray Is Now Titans' Longest-Tenured Defender

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Neal Coolong | Last updated Nov 13, 2026 5:25 PM ET

Cedric Gray is in his third NFL season, and he’s already the longest-tenured player on the Tennessee Titans’ defense. When he was told that Thursday, the linebacker’s reaction was simple.

“That sounds crazy,” Gray said with a smile, per the team’s website. “I think that is crazy to hear. Obviously we know what Jeff and Hook meant to this team and this defense. But it just looks like we’re moving in a new direction, a new era, for this team. So, I am just looking forward to stepping up and being a leader on this defense.”

The new title came fast. The Titans traded Jeffery Simmons and Amani Hooker in recent weeks, and Gray’s 2024 draft classmates James Williams and Jaylen Harrell are both on injured reserve.

Why the Titans need Cedric Gray right now

Gray isn’t just inheriting seniority. He may be inheriting the middle of the defense. Anthony Hill Jr. (neck) and Cody Barton (concussion) both missed practice Wednesday and Thursday, and coaches have praised Gray’s growth in recent weeks.

Look at how much production is missing. Hill leads the Titans with 82 tackles and Barton has 34, per ESPN. Hooker had 52 tackles and five interceptions before the trade, and Simmons had 38 tackles and four sacks. By our count, that’s 206 tackles from four players who could all be unavailable Sunday. Gray has 37 tackles and 2.5 tackles for loss in seven games.

Gray knows the title alone doesn’t make him a leader.

“You still have to earn it,” Gray said. “You have to earn the respect of your guys, you have to be able to command a room. And, a large part of leadership is to be able to produce as well.”

His first chance comes against a 6-2 Jacksonville Jaguars team that leads the AFC South. The 1-7 Titans host the Jaguars at noon CT Sunday, and Robert Saleh’s defense will need Gray to fill more than one hole left by the deadline.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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