Tennessee Titans Strengthen Defensive Front by Signing Former Memphis Showboats Standout Defensive Tackle Josiah Bronson as Training Camp Intensifies and Depth Becomes Critical for 2025 NFL Season

In a move that underscores the Tennessee Titans’ commitment to building a tough, versatile defense heading into the 2025 NFL season, the franchise has signed defensive tackle Josiah Bronson, formerly of the Memphis Showboats in the United Football League (UFL). The acquisition comes as the Titans progress through a demanding training camp schedule in Nashville, and it highlights the front office’s keen eye for emerging talent beyond traditional NFL channels. Bronson, who earned praise across the UFL this past spring for his disruptive presence on the interior defensive line, now steps into a critical opportunity to make his mark on an NFL roster that is hungry to return to playoff contention.

Bronson’s path to Tennessee has been anything but conventional. After going undrafted out of the University of Washington in 2021, he spent time with several NFL teams—including the New Orleans Saints, Cleveland Browns, and Miami Dolphins—bouncing between practice squads and depth roles before finding his stride in the UFL. With the Memphis Showboats during the 2025 UFL season, Bronson flourished, combining raw strength with technical improvement to emerge as one of the most consistent defensive tackles in the league. His ability to collapse the pocket, plug run lanes, and command double teams earned him All-UFL consideration and the attention of multiple NFL scouts.

For the Titans, the signing of Bronson is more than just a depth addition—it reflects a broader strategy by general manager Ran Carthon to explore alternative pipelines for talent and bring in players who are battle-tested, hungry, and ready to compete immediately. In a league where durability and rotational value on the defensive line are crucial, Bronson offers both the physical tools and professional maturity to potentially carve out a role in Tennessee’s defense.

At 6-foot-3 and 305 pounds, Bronson brings ideal size and leverage for a modern 3-technique or interior 4-3 tackle. But what separates him from others vying for roster spots is his motor. Coaches and teammates in Memphis raved about his relentless work ethic, and Titans defensive coordinator Dennard Wilson has emphasized that effort and consistency will be rewarded during camp. Bronson, entering his age-27 season, may not be a rookie, but he arrives with something to prove—a mentality that fits perfectly within Tennessee’s defensive culture.

The Titans’ defensive line, already featuring veterans like Jeffery Simmons and Denico Autry, has been one of the most productive units on the roster in recent years, but depth and rotational stamina have been challenges, especially late in games and down the stretch of the season. Injuries, workload distribution, and match-up versatility have all influenced Tennessee’s personnel decisions. Bronson’s ability to play multiple roles along the interior—both as a gap-shooter and a space-eater—makes him a valuable addition, especially during the preseason grind, where versatility often determines who makes the final 53-man roster.

Following the announcement, Titans head coach Brian Callahan spoke briefly about the team’s reasoning and expectations. “We’re always evaluating talent, and Josiah is a guy who popped on tape in the UFL,” Callahan said. “He’s strong at the point of attack, he’s smart, and he’s a great fit for the culture we’re building here. We’re excited to see how he competes.”

Bronson, for his part, expressed gratitude and determination in his first media availability at Ascension Saint Thomas Sports Park. “I’m thankful for the opportunity. I’ve been working for this every day,” Bronson said. “The UFL gave me a chance to show what I can do, and now I’m just focused on earning the trust of my coaches and teammates here. Nothing’s guaranteed—I’m just going to put my head down and work.”

That attitude resonates with Titans fans who’ve seen the franchise navigate significant roster turnover in recent seasons. With a new coaching staff, revamped offense led by second-year quarterback Will Levis, and heightened expectations following a disappointing 2024 campaign, every position group is under a microscope. The defensive line, especially, is being retooled to fit a more aggressive, gap-attacking philosophy—one where players like Bronson could thrive if given the chance.

Bronson’s performance in the UFL offers a compelling case study in professional growth. Over ten games with the Showboats, he recorded 32 tackles, 5 sacks, and 11 tackles for loss—numbers that ranked among the league’s best at his position. But beyond the stats, it was his ability to dominate in one-on-one matchups, maintain gap discipline, and anchor against double teams that drew praise. He often forced opposing offenses to adjust protection schemes and showed improved hand usage and pad level that were missing earlier in his career.

Scouts have noted that Bronson’s game has matured considerably since his last NFL stint. He’s no longer simply relying on brute strength. Film breakdowns from UFL analysts have shown a player who understands leverage, uses his hands more efficiently, and anticipates blocking angles rather than reacting late. In a league where split-second recognition is the difference between a run stuff and a 10-yard gain, those refinements matter.

Bronson also brings intangible value. His time in the UFL was not just a physical challenge—it was a mental one. Playing in spring football, with the uncertainty of NFL opportunities looming and the physical toll mounting, requires resilience. Bronson embraced that grind, playing every down like it could be his last, and emerging as a vocal leader in the Showboats locker room. That maturity, forged through setbacks and perseverance, now becomes an asset for the Titans.

Tennessee’s scouting department, led by Carthon and his pro personnel staff, has increasingly emphasized character and coachability in recent signings. Bronson checks both boxes. He’s not walking into Nashville expecting a starting job. He knows the odds. But he’s been through enough to know how to fight for his spot—and how to contribute even if that role starts small.

The Titans will likely test Bronson’s readiness immediately during joint practices and preseason games. Early indications suggest he’ll see reps with the second-team defense, rotating in behind Simmons and second-year tackle Jaleel Johnson. If he can hold up against NFL interior lines, collapse the pocket on passing downs, and remain assignment-sound in run defense, he has a real shot to stick—especially with the league’s 17-game schedule demanding defensive line rotation.

It’s also worth noting the broader impact of Bronson’s signing. It continues to legitimize the UFL as a credible feeder system to the NFL. With multiple players now transitioning from spring football into NFL camps, teams like the Titans are validating the developmental value of these alternative leagues. For fans of both leagues, it’s a win-win: more opportunities for players, and more depth for NFL teams willing to look beyond traditional scouting routes.

For Josiah Bronson, this opportunity is about redemption, resurgence, and proving that the road less traveled can still lead back to the league’s biggest stage. His journey—from undrafted free agent to UFL standout to Titans signee—is one defined by perseverance. And now, in the sweltering August heat of NFL training camp, he’ll fight once more—not just for a job, but for his place in a game he refuses to walk away from.

If he makes the roster, his story will stand as yet another example of what can happen when talent meets preparation—and when teams like the Titans are willing to bet on both.