Titans Free Agent Signee Suddenly Retires Before Playing Snap

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Levi Dombro | Last updated Jul 22, 2025 2:27 PM ET

The Tennessee Titans wasted no time restructuring their team ahead of the 2025 NFL season. New general manager Mike Borgonzi, a longtime Kansas City Chiefs executive, took a wrecking ball to a roster that won just three games last season.

This started with the release of long-tenured edge rusher Harold Landry III, once a Pro Bowler for the Titans. They replaced him with veterans like Dre'Mont Jones and Lorenzo Carter in free agency, as well as rookies like Femi Oladejo.

Defensive coordinator Dennard Wilson will have a lot of moving pieces once again, as the back half of the defense was revamped through free agency and the draft as well.

Unfortunately, another wrench was thrown into things when Borgonzi spoke to the media on Tuesday afternoon just ahead of training camp. He announced that Carter would be retiring before the 2025 NFL season.

"The other one is Lorenzo Carter, who notified us yesterday that he will be retiring. We wish him well," Borgonzi said.

Carter joined the team this offseason for his eighth NFL campaign. He spent the previous seven years with the Atlanta Falcons and New York Giants. However, the 29-year-old will be retiring before ever playing a snap for the Titans.

All told, he recorded 21.5 sacks during his career, as well as 278 tackles, including 35 for a loss. Carter also contributed two interceptions, 18 passes defended, five forced fumbles and four fumble recoveries, as well as a defensive touchdown.

Now, the door is wide open for Oladejo, the team's second-round pick from UCLA, to earn playing time as a rookie. Jones also has a clearer path to playing time alongside returners like Arden Key.

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

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