Roster Moves: Titans Sign CB Amani Oruwariye and DL Carlos Watkins, Release DL Abdullah Anderson.

In a bold move to strengthen their roster, the Tennessee Titans have made several notable changes to their team ahead of the 2025 NFL season. The Titans recently signed cornerback Amani Oruwariye and defensive lineman Carlos Watkins, two players with solid NFL experience and potential to make an immediate impact. The decision to release defensive lineman Abdullah Anderson also raised some eyebrows, signaling that the team’s front office is shaping the roster with long-term goals in mind. This roster shake-up is a significant one for the Titans, who are looking to build on their competitive foundation and position themselves for success in the highly competitive AFC South. By adding proven players in key areas and parting ways with a reserve player, the Titans are looking to create a more dynamic and balanced squad. In this article, we’ll explore each move in detail and discuss how these changes could affect the team’s overall trajectory.

Amani Oruwariye, a 26-year-old cornerback, was drafted by the Detroit Lions in the fifth round of the 2019 NFL Draft. During his time with the Lions, Oruwariye showcased flashes of brilliance as a physical, athletic cornerback with good ball skills. He was primarily used as a starter in Detroit’s defense and earned respect for his ability to cover larger, more physical receivers. In his best season, he recorded 3 interceptions and 9 pass deflections, signaling his potential as a top-tier cornerback. However, Oruwariye has faced consistency issues over the years, and his time in Detroit ended with a release following an uneven 2024 campaign.

For the Titans, signing Oruwariye presents an opportunity to bolster their cornerback depth and add a player with starting experience to their secondary. The Titans’ pass defense has been a point of focus in recent seasons, and Oruwariye’s ability to press receivers and play physical ball could be the key to shoring up that aspect of the team’s defense. Standing at 6’2″, Oruwariye brings size to a Titans’ secondary that has often struggled with taller, more physical wideouts in the past. His experience, while at times inconsistent, will be valuable in both starting and depth roles, as the Titans look to find more stability in the secondary.

Oruwariye’s addition creates an intriguing dynamic within the Titans’ cornerback room. With veterans like Kristian Fulton and Elijah Molden already on the roster, the competition for starting roles could intensify, but it’s clear that Oruwariye’s size and experience make him a prime candidate for playing significant snaps in the 2025 season. He could contribute right away, either as a starter or in a rotational role, depending on how the coaches choose to use him within the system.

Carlos Watkins, a versatile defensive lineman who was drafted by the Houston Texans in the fourth round of the 2017 NFL Draft, spent most of his career with the Texans before joining the Dallas Cowboys for the 2024 season. Throughout his career, Watkins has demonstrated a unique ability to line up both as a defensive tackle and an edge rusher, providing flexibility to whichever team he plays for. His time with the Cowboys was marked by a steady role in the defensive rotation, where he made key contributions to their line play. In his most productive season, Watkins recorded 3 sacks and 7 tackles for loss while showing his value against both the run and pass.

For the Titans, signing Watkins addresses a critical need along the defensive line, where depth has been an ongoing issue. Tennessee’s defensive front, which has been heavily reliant on Jeffery Simmons and Denico Autry, needed reinforcements to maintain a level of performance across all four quarters. Watkins’ addition brings valuable depth and the ability to play multiple roles along the defensive line. His experience against both the run and pass is crucial for the Titans, as they look to increase pressure on opposing quarterbacks and improve against the run.

Watkins’ ability to play both inside and outside will be an asset to defensive coordinator Shane Bowen, who runs a versatile system that relies on the front seven’s ability to create chaos up front. His addition could allow the Titans to rotate their defensive linemen more effectively, keeping players fresh for long drives and late-game situations. This rotation will be key as the team looks to improve in a highly competitive division where offensive lines are consistently improving.

Abdullah Anderson, a defensive lineman who joined the Titans in 2023, had limited opportunities to prove himself on the field. Known as a rotational player, Anderson spent much of his time providing depth behind established stars like Simmons and Autry. Although he showed promise in limited action, Anderson’s contributions were often overshadowed by the presence of more experienced and talented players.

The decision to release Anderson likely reflects the Titans’ desire to make room for more impactful players and optimize their roster for the upcoming season. Anderson’s release suggests that the team is confident in the development of other younger defensive linemen or that the Titans are seeking a different kind of depth to complement their current starters. While Anderson could potentially find a new home with another team, his departure leaves a gap in the Titans’ defensive line that will likely be filled by Watkins or another addition.

For the Titans, releasing Anderson may also signal a shift in strategy. The team appears committed to increasing the talent and depth of its defensive line, which will be crucial for the success of their pass rush and run defense. Anderson’s release, though a tough decision, shows that the Titans are focused on bringing in players who can contribute at a higher level to complement the team’s core defensive players.

The Titans’ defensive strategy under head coach Mike Vrabel has always emphasized a strong, physical front seven capable of applying pressure to the quarterback and stopping the run. The addition of both Oruwariye and Watkins aligns with Vrabel’s philosophy of building a balanced, versatile defense. Oruwariye’s size and physicality will complement the Titans’ already strong defensive backs, while Watkins’ ability to play multiple positions on the defensive line gives the team the flexibility it needs to keep fresh bodies in the trenches and rotate effectively during games.

Both moves indicate a commitment to improving the defense’s overall performance and depth. Adding these two players, along with keeping core players like Simmons and Autry, strengthens the team’s ability to compete against high-powered offenses. In particular, the Titans will need to improve their pass rush and pass coverage to maintain their standing in the AFC South and ensure success in the playoffs.

Looking ahead to the 2025 season, the Titans’ roster moves signify a team ready to contend. With the addition of proven players like Oruwariye and Watkins, along with a continued focus on strengthening the defensive front, the Titans are positioning themselves to be more competitive. The Titans’ success in 2025 will depend on their ability to put together a balanced and effective defense that can stop both the run and pass.

With the roster moves signaling a more aggressive approach, the Titans will likely enter the season with high expectations. The defense, particularly the secondary and defensive line, is critical to their championship aspirations, and both Oruwariye and Watkins provide necessary improvements. Whether the team will meet these expectations depends on how well these new additions fit into the overall scheme and how they perform in real-game situations.

As the Titans prepare for the upcoming season, these moves are a strong indicator of their commitment to strengthening their defense and building a team capable of competing at the highest level.