· 2026-07-12

Tennessee Titans lock in their final 53-man roster for the 2026 season, with rookie wide receiver Xavier Restrepo sneaking onto the squad while quarterback Will Levis sees his preseason nightmare end. The moves come as the Titans sit 16th in the AFC with a 3-14 record and a two‑game losing streak, eyeing a showdown against the New York Jets on September 13.
The Titans trimmed the roster to 53, keeping veteran safety Kevin Byard, linebacker Harold Landry, and running back D'Onta Foreman. Restrepo, a 2024 fourth‑round pick from Miami, impressed coaches with his route running and special‑teams hustle during the final week of practice. He earned a spot over veteran wideout Treylon Burks, who was released.
Levis struggled in preseason, completing just 48 percent of his passes and throwing two interceptions in three games. Head coach Todd Bowles noted the quarterback’s decision‑making lagged behind the team’s needs. "We need a QB who can manage the game and protect the ball," Bowles said after the final practice. Levis will join the practice squad if he clears waivers, leaving the starting job to veteran Ryan Tannehill and backup rookie Malik Willis.
With Restrepo on board, the receiving corps now features a blend of experience and youth. Tight end Logan Thomas remains the primary red‑zone target, while rookie Jalen Milroe competes for snaps at quarterback. The offensive line kept all five starters, including left tackle Taylor Lewan, who signed a two‑year extension last month. This continuity should help Tannehill’s pocket presence as the team seeks to improve its 2.1 yards‑per‑carry average.
The Titans head into a tough stretch, opening against the New York Jets on September 13. Their defense, anchored by Byard and Landry, must tighten up after allowing 28 points in the last preseason game. Special teams will rely on Restrepo’s speed to flip field position. If the new roster gels quickly, the Titans could snap their losing streak before the season’s midway point.
Backup running back Jeremy McNichols earned a roster spot after a strong showing in the final scrimmage, providing a change‑of‑pace option behind Foreman. Defensive end Aaron Donald, now a veteran presence, will mentor younger linemen like Jeffery Simmons. On special teams, kicker Randy Bullock retained his job after nailing three field goals over 45 yards in the preseason.
The Titans’ final roster reflects a blend of seasoned veterans and promising newcomers, all tasked with turning a 3-14 record around. The next test arrives against the Jets, and every snap will count as Nashville hopes to climb out of the AFC’s bottom tier.