3 Titans Players Who Must Go in NFL Free Agency

Tennessee Titans face tough roster decisions this offseason

Published on Feb. 26, 2026

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The Tennessee Titans are looking to bounce back after a disappointing season, and that means making some difficult personnel choices. According to reports, the team should let go of three key players in free agency: edge rusher Arden Key, tight end Chig Okonkwo, and kicker Joey Slye.

Why it matters

The Titans need to make smart roster moves to get back on track, and parting ways with underperforming or expensive veterans could free up cap space to address other needs. These decisions will shape the team's direction heading into the 2026 NFL season.

The details

Arden Key, a 29-year-old edge rusher, had a down year in 2025 with only 4 sacks and 11 QB hits after signing a 3-year, $21 million deal. His comments about expecting to play elsewhere have also soured the team on keeping him. Tight end Chig Okonkwo has underwhelmed in 4 seasons, with career highs of 560 yards and 3 TDs, and a poor 59.9 PFF grade in 2025. The Titans could look to upgrade at the position. Meanwhile, kicker Joey Slye missed 7 field goals and 1 extra point last season, ranking 31st in kickoffs, making him an easy cut candidate despite his ability from long distance.

  • The Titans are facing these roster decisions ahead of the 2026 NFL offseason.

The players

Arden Key

A 29-year-old edge rusher who has played 8 NFL seasons, including the last 3 with the Titans. He had a down year in 2025 with only 4 sacks.

Chig Okonkwo

A tight end who has spent 4 seasons with the Titans, with career highs of 560 yards and 3 TDs. He had a 59.9 PFF grade in 2025, ranking 30th out of 37 qualified tight ends.

Joey Slye

The Titans' kicker in 2025 who missed 7 field goals and 1 extra point, ranking 31st out of 41 qualified kickers in kickoffs.

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What they’re saying

“Oh, I'll be on somebody else's team. We don't know what team, but definitely on somebody else's team.”

— Arden Key (tennessean.com)

“Yeah, yeah. I bought a house here, growing a relationship with a lot of people here. The community did some things out in the community that I've shown and that I haven't shown. I've been here three years. Why not stay?”

— Arden Key (tennessean.com)

“Austin Hooper is a free agent, and Hunter Henry is entering the final year of his contract. With Okonkwo and Henry on the field, the Patriots could create more matchups out of two-tight-end sets. Plus, coordinator Josh McDaniels could game plan for Okonkwo's versatility as a pass catcher on screens and crossers.”

— Bill Barnwell, ESPN Analyst (ESPN)

“I've coached against him a number of times. And I know the special teams coordinator on my side of the field has always had sleepless nights leading into that week. His reputation not only as a football coach, but also as a person, is second to none. Just having him here is awesome.”

— Robert Saleh, Titans Head Coach (tennesseetitans.com)

What’s next

The Titans will need to make decisions on these players ahead of the start of free agency in the coming weeks.

The takeaway

The Titans are facing tough roster decisions this offseason as they look to bounce back from a disappointing 2025 campaign. Parting ways with underperforming or expensive veterans like Arden Key, Chig Okonkwo, and Joey Slye could free up cap space to address other needs and reshape the team's direction heading into 2026.