The Tennessee Titans have traded cornerback Roger McCreary to the Los Angeles Rams, a move that involves swapping draft picks in the 2026 NFL Draft [1]. The Titans will receive a conditional fifth-round pick in 2026 from the Rams, while also sending a conditional sixth-round pick to Los Angeles along with McCreary [4]. This trade signifies a strategic shift for the Titans as they look towards the future.
Draft Implications and Future Outlook
By trading McCreary, the Titans have essentially moved up in the 2026 draft [3]. The team was not planning to offer McCreary a second contract, making this trade a proactive decision [3]. McCreary, a former Auburn standout, was drafted by the Titans and has been a consistent presence as their nickelback [4, 3]. The trade allows the Titans to gain an extra draft pick while parting ways with a player whose long-term future with the team was uncertain [3]. The specifics of the conditional nature of the draft picks were not detailed [4].
Strategic Rationale
The trade indicates that the Titans are focusing on restructuring their roster and accumulating assets for future drafts [3, 4]. Moving McCreary now allows the team to evaluate other options at the cornerback position and potentially develop younger players [3]. This decision reflects a long-term vision for the team's development, prioritizing future draft capital over retaining a player who may not have been part of their long-term plans [3]. This move also frees up cap space, providing financial flexibility for other potential acquisitions or contract extensions [3]. The trade underscores the ever-evolving nature of NFL roster management and the strategic decisions teams make to optimize their future prospects [1, 4].
TL;DR
- The Titans traded cornerback Roger McCreary to the Rams, acquiring a conditional 2026 fifth-round pick [4].
- Tennessee also sent a conditional sixth-round pick to Los Angeles as part of the McCreary trade [4].
- The Titans made the trade because they did not intend to re-sign McCreary to a second contract [3].
- This move allows the Titans to move up in the 2026 draft and gain financial flexibility [3].