TRAINING CAMP PREVIEW: SAFETIES
In camp (7): Amani Hooker, Xavier Woods, Mike Brown, Kevin Winston Jr., Mark Perry, Julius Wood, Kendall Brooks
Offseason developments: The Titans signed Woods, formerly of the Panthers, in free agency. The Titans also re-signed Brown, who was scheduled to be an exclusive rights free agent. The team then drafted Winston, who played at Penn State, in the third round of the 2025 NFL Draft. The Titans also added Perry, who had spent time on practice squad with the Dolphins, Texans and Patriots, via a waiver claim. Perry had an interception during offseason work. The Titans initially re-signed Justin Hardee, but he was waived with a non-football injury. Quandre Diggs has not been re-signed, and he remains a free agent. Daryl Worley also has not been re-signed, and remains a free agent.
In the spotlight: Amani Hooker. Heading into his seventh NFL season, Hooker remains a dependable and productive player for the Titans. In 2024, Hooker finished fifth on the team with 70 tackles, and he also tallied a team-high five interceptions with nine passes defensed, seven quarterback pressures and four tackles for a loss. While some things have changed around him, the Titans are counting on Hooker to once again be a stabilizing force, and a playmaker.
Battle to watch: Other candidates, and the waiver wire. Mike Brown has developed into a solid contributor, but with Hooker, Woods and Winston, he's probably the fourth safety at this point. Will others contend for a roster spot, and is there a chance more could be added to this group? I think the answer to the second part of that question is yes, because this is an area where help could be added. Wood has flashed, while Brooks and Perry could also contend. Personally, I'd love to see the team re-sign Diggs if he's healthy, because he's a solid player, a great locker room presence. Plus, he'd been a great resource for his cousin, Cam Ward. But I'm not sure the team would want to put someone else in the way of Winston taking the field.
Keep an eye on: Winston. The Titans drafted Winston, and immediately turned him over to the team's training staff to continue his rehab from the torn ACL he suffered at Penn State. Winston didn't take part in offseason practices, but he continued to make strides in his recovery. The 6-foot-2, 213-pound Winston sure looks the part, and the Titans are excited about his potential. While he'll probably be the third safety as a rookie, his future is as a No.1 safety. The biggest question heading into the season is when does his year begin? Winston is potentially a PUP candidate whose progress – and return to the field – will need to be monitored.
Next up: Special teams.
