The Tennessee Titans, holding the largest salary cap space in the NFL at nearly $100 million as of Wednesday, further increased their flexibility by releasing Lloyd Cushenberry and Xavier Woods just two weeks before free agency begins. These moves mark a strategic effort to prepare for an aggressive offseason focused on rebuilding the roster.
Releasing Cushenberry, who was designated with a failed physical, will save the Titans approximately $3.4 million in salary cap space, while letting go of Woods, a veteran safety sidelined by a hamstring injury after 11 games last season, will free up close to $4 million.
Injury History and Recent Performance Influenced Decisions
Lloyd Cushenberry, originally a third-round selection by the Denver Broncos, was signed by the Titans less than two years ago on a four-year, $50 million deal. However, an Achilles injury limited his availability, causing him to miss the final games of the 2024 season. Despite starting on the physically unable to perform list, Cushenberry participated in 15 games this past season.
Xavier Woods, who struggled to finish the year due to injury, had contributed to the Titans’ defense but ultimately became expendable as the team prepares for a roster overhaul ahead of the 2026 season.
Titans Position Themselves for a Rebuild with Draft and Free Agency
Even with a disappointing 3-14 record last year, the Titans have positioned themselves well to make major improvements next season. Along with their league-leading salary cap space, Tennessee holds eight picks in the upcoming NFL Draft, including the valuable No. 4 overall choice. This draft capital provides a significant foundation for reconstructing the roster.
Speaking at the combine, Titans general manager Mike Borgonzi emphasized the team’s plan to actively pursue both free agency and the draft, while highlighting the importance of the latter in forming the core of the team.
You’re trying to build a team and a locker room and a culture, and you do that through the draft,
Borgonzi stated during his conversation with Pat McAfee.
We’re certainly going to have our hand in free agency as well, and there’s going to be some great opportunities to add some players in free agency. But really, through, the draft is where you have to build that foundation initially. … You’ve got to build it through the draft.
Current Depth Chart and Roster Gaps After Cuts
The Titans will need to address the vacancies left by Cushenberry and Woods, but they possess sufficient resources to do so this offseason. At center, the team relies on soon-to-be free agent Corey Levin and 2025 undrafted rookie Drew Moss. For the safety position, Kendell Brooks, who has been with the Titans for two seasons as an undrafted player, is slated to step into the starting role previously held by Woods.
While these positions are priorities, the Titans are expected to focus their offseason efforts more heavily on acquiring talent in other critical roles, including pass rushers and skill position players, as part of their broader plan to enhance the team’s competitive prospects in 2026 and beyond.
The Titans have the MOST cap space in the NFL#PMSLive pic.twitter.com/C2ZHlgpcfB
— Pat McAfee (@PatMcAfeeShow) February 25, 2026
