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Jacksonville Jaguar defensive lineman Arik Armstead

The Tennessee Titans hired Robert Saleh as the next head coach, with the defensive-minded coach set to call plays on defense, something he didn’t do at his last head coaching job with the New York Jets.

To help make the first year with the Titans easier, Tennessee reinforced the defense, signing defensive lineman John Franklin-Myers, cornerbacks Alontae Taylor and Cordale Flott, and more.

The Titans drafted Auburn EDGE rusher Keldric Faulk and Texas linebacker Anthony Hill Jr. to help the defensive front 7 in Saleh’s first season.

With still months left before the start of the 2026 season, the Titans could polish their squad and make a playoff push in a division that was lackluster the previous season. One NFL writer believes the Titans could make a push for a former first-round draft selection for the defense.

Titans Named Suitor Defensive Lineman In Trade Idea

GettyThe Titans can bolster the defensive line in a trade

The Tennessee Titans’ defense allowed the fifth-most points per game in the 2025 season, allowing an average of 28.1 points per game.

Now under the guidance of HC Robert Saleh, defensive coordinator Gus Bradley and with a revamped defense, the Titans’ defense is set up for a strong season.

Bleacher Report’s Kristopher Knox released a list of seven players who could be traded before the start of minicamp, naming the Titans as a potential suitor for Jacksonville Jaguars defensive lineman Arik Armstead.

“The Jacksonville Jaguars were willing to let key contributors… depart in free agency, and their approach to the draft was questioned by plenty of folks,” Knox wrote. “It’s clear that coach Liam Coen and GM James Gladstone want to build their roster. Don’t be surprised if trading defensive lineman Arik Armstead.”

“Armstead was productive this past season, recording 5.5 sacks and 28 combined tackles. However, he’s 32 years old… Armstead now looms as a prime post-June 1 trade candidate who should interest teams seeking more defensive help up front.”

Armstead recorded 5.5 sacks last season, his third-most sacks in a single season, while also logging 28 total tackles and a forced fumble.

If the Titans were interested in bringing in a defensive tackle, the team would have to eat his $19 million cap hit for the 2026 season. Luckily, the Titans have around $63 million in cap space and should have no worries.

Knox did not drop a trade pitch for Arik Armstead, but due to his contract and age, the Jags could expect a third-round or early Day 4 selection in upcoming drafts.

Arik Armstead Would Reconnect with His Former DC

GettyRobert Saleh was the defensive coordinator for the San Francisco 49ers for the 2025 season

If the Tennessee Titans were to pull the trigger for Arik Armstead, it would reunite the D-lineman with his former San Francisco 49ers defensive coordinator, Robert Saleh.

“Saleh is one of the best coaches I’ve ever played for. He’s truly a special coach. He brings that energy, he cares about his players, schematically, he’s elite,” Armstead said, via NBC Sports Bay Area.

“And he has the experience. He’s been around a lot of football, been in a lot of big games and coaching in big moments.”

The defensive lineman played his best football under Saleh, recording 10 sacks in the 2019 season. If Arik Armstead is up for a change of scenery, he could reunite with his former defensive coordinator.