The Most Shocking Titans Cut

Yesterday, the Titans revealed their initial 53-man roster to start the season, and there weren’t that many surprises. That is until I read the TE section of the roster, and saw that one name was missing: Thomas Odukoya…

Odukoya was signed by the Titans as an undrafted free agent in 2022 via The International Player Pathway Program. He didn’t do too much in his rookie season, as he was cut from the team and placed on Practice Squad for most of the year. Heading into 2023, Odukoya worked his tail off and caught the attention of his Head Coach, who had a lot of good things to say about him. Vrabel stated that Odukoya is a great teammate and person, has a relentless work ethic, and stated that the Titans “lucked out” by signing him. After hearing all that Vrabel had to say about Odukoya, and his play style fitting the Titans’ scheme, it shocked me when I didn’t see the Netherlands native on the 53-man roster…

There are probably multiple different reasons why Thomas Odukoya didn’t make the roster, but the main two are pretty obvious and clear: Trevon Wesco and WR Injuries. Since Wesco and Odukoya have similar playstyles, it didn’t make sense for the Titans to keep both, so they went with the trusty veteran over the undrafted guy. The Titans’ WR injuries caused the team to keep seven receivers instead of six, so Colton Dowell took up an extra roster spot that could’ve gone to the Dutch Tight End. Josh Whyle being on the roster also hurt Thomas’ chances to make the team, as Tennessee was unlikely to move on from the fifth-round selection from this past draft. Odukoya will likely find his way back on the Titans’ practice squad this season, but don’t be shocked if he’s clearing holes for Derrick Henry as a sixth offensive lineman sometime this season…