The Tennessee Titans are keeping an eye on a defenseman who’s earned $77 million so far in his NFL career. Drafted No. 38 overall in the 2015 draft, a free agent signing could be made in the near future.
ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler broke the news on Monday, August 4. Having played on three NFL teams in his career, this Mississippi State graduate could be on his way to Tennessee.
Preston Smith Highlighted as Tennessee Titans Prioritize Defense in Free Agency
After spending 2019-24 in Green Bay, the Packers traded Preston Smith to the Pittsburgh Steelers for a 2025 seventh round pick. The former second-round draft pick began his career in Washington.
Smith made a career high $18M in 2019 after signing a four-year, $52M deal with Green Bay. The Packers were impressed with the eight sacks he picked up in his rookie season. Smith continued to improve, finishing the final year of his rookie deal with a career high 52 total tackles.
One of the things that has always stood out about the Georgia native is his durability. He played 16 games every season from 2015-21, having played 17 now for the past three seasons. Smith has recorded five interceptions as he racked up 70.5 sacks in 163 games played.
“Tennessee is open to adding on defense via free agency,” Fowler reported. “Pass rusher and corner would be two spots to watch there. One name to watch: veteran defensive end Preston Smith.”
The Tennessee Titans are “OPEN to adding on defense via FREE AGENCY”
Pass rusher and corner as the top two spots to watch according to a recent report from @espn.
Name to keep an eye on: Preston Smith
Should the Titans make the move?? pic.twitter.com/6wTsDjFnf6
— TicTacTitans (@TicTacTitans) August 4, 2025
https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js
Currently 32-years-old, Smith is searching for a new home. His newest team will be the third he’s played on in the last calendar year. While he regressed last season, the 10th year player is looking to earn his next contract.
Smith finished 2024 with 32 total tackles, down from 48 the year prior. His 4.5 sacks ties 2016 for the second lowest of his career. He’s never had a season with fewer than four sacks.
One of the key numbers to focus on is Smith’s solo tackles. The former Packer had just 12 solo tackles last season compared to 20 assisted. Last season marked the first time of his career where he finished the season with fewer solo tackles than assisted.
Rumblings Around Preston Smith Reporting to Tennessee
One Titans fan commented, “Current EDGE room may be one of the worst ever so it would be smart to add a savy vet that can get 6-7 sacks extra.”
Not everyone is on board though, “They should have went after him like 4 or 5 years ago”, one person commented as another added, “Over 30, no thanks.”
#Titans could consider signing free-agent EDGE Preston Smith, per @JFowlerESPN. Smith is a “name to watch” as the Titans explore additions at OLB.
The 32-yr-old Smith had 4.5 sacks while playing in GB & PIT last year. Three straight seasons with 8+ sacks 2021-2023.
— Justin M (@JustinM_NFL) August 4, 2025
https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js
The Titans of the South author praised Smith for his 8+ sacks from 2021-23. Someone asked Justin his thoughts on Smith compared to Za’Darius Smith, to which he replied, “Either or would be a helpful veteran.”
Early indications are mixed, but the Titans wouldn’t have to spend an arm and a leg to bring Smith to Tennessee. Knowing his age and what he made in the past, it’s safe to assume he could be signed for far less than $10M.
Sadly, there would be no revenge games for Smith on the Titans schedule. Tennessee isn’t tasked with facing the Commanders, Packers, or Steelers this season.
Like Heavy Sports’s content? Be sure to follow us.
This article was originally published on Heavy Sports
The post Titans Linked to $77 Million Defensive End as Free Agency Heats Up appeared first on Heavy Sports.