Key Tennessee Titans releases and what they mean for the 53-man roster

The Tennessee titans have finalized their 53-man roster for the 2026 NFL season, and there were certainly a few surprises. Let's look at some big roster moves and what they mean for the team.

Via A to Z sports

Will Levis released

An expected, yet still sad to see roster move was the Tennessee Titans waiving Will Levis. Levis was drafted in 2023 NFL draft and had his time in the sun with the team, as he started for the team in 2024.

He had a poor preseason, and was someone the team was actively looking to move for an extended period of time, however were unable to find a trade partner.

Levis wants to compete for a starting job and the Titans are solidified with Cam Ward, meaning it was in the best interest for both teams to release the young arm.

The Titans also likely feel they have a better chance of competing with Mitch Trubisky as their backup quarterback, and it would not have made sense to keep all three of them.

Levis will likely be a good waivers candidate and may find his way to being a backup or third string quarterback somewhere.

Pair of long tenured special teams receivers say goodbye

One of the most shocking releases was an early one, as the team released Bryce Oliver. Oliver has been praised for his special teams ability for a handful of years for the Titans, and was widely expected to stay around. This was not the case and he lost his spot on the roster. He could be a potential practice squad candidate.

Later on in the day, Mason Kinsey gave an emotional goodbye message to Nashville. After 6 and a half years, the Titans practice squad constant seems to finally be off of the team for good. There were no silly Simpsons memes or thoughts that he will be back; this seems like goodbye from number 12.

Xavier Restrepo makes the team

In his second season, Miami all time receiving yards leader Xavier Restrepo has officially made the Titans 53-man roster. Cam Ward's man from college proved in the final preseason game that he deserves a spot on the roster, as he went for 74 yards on 4 catches, and was great at getting seperation.

This is a nice thing to see for a receiver who has an insane work ethic and has always made plays when it matters. He beat out K.J. Osborn and Bryce Oliver to get on the 53-man roster. A fan favorite got his spot.

Tyren Montgomery is waived

While expected, seeing Tyren Montgomery get waived is a little sad. The Senior D-III Bowl stand out has high potential and made many plays in the Titans final preseason game.

Montgomery is still a developing player, so we may see him on the Titans practice squad when it becomes available.

Cordell Volson is gone

The Titans signed Cordell Volson this offseason seemingly with the intention for him to be the team's starting right guard this season. Now he is going to be looking for a new team to even have a job.

Volson had performed really poor in training camp and preseason, which led to him losing snaps to rookie Fernando Carmona before preseason had even started.

The emergence of Carmona and the play of Volson made the decision easy for the Titans, as they released him early in the day.

Smaller special teams releases

Some smaller but still impactful special moves that the Titans made include releasing K.J. Osborn, who is a veteran that took some kick and punt return snaps in the preseason. He had potential to make the team but has seemingly been beaten out for the role.

Another is releasing D'Ernest Johnson, who was signed after the Titans first preseason game and had a touchdown in each of the next two. He ends up not making the team, likely beaten out by players such as Julius Chestnut, who is incredible on special teams.

Jalen McMurray was an undrafted free agent cornerback for the Titans who showed promise, especially with his special teams play. He was unable to secure a roster spot but may fall back onto the practice squad.