Titans bolster linebacking group with Cody Barton, boost offensive line in free agency

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (AP) — The Tennessee Titans took a step toward fixing the interior of their defensive front by signing linebacker Cody Barton to a three-year contract among a handful of signings announced Thursday.

The Titans traded linebacker Kenneth Murray to Dallas for a sixth-round pick despite him starting 14 games with 95 tackles and a career-high 3 1/2 sacks. Barton now gets to work behind Pro Bowl defensive lineman Jeffery Simmons, T'Vondre Sweat and also Dre'Mont Jones, who is newly signed to a one-year deal.

The team that holds the No. 1 overall pick in the April draft and has a new general manager in Mike Borgonzi.

Tennessee started free agency by bolstering a struggling offensive line, agreeing with left tackle Dan Moore on a four-year contract and adding right guard Kevin Zeitler on a one-year deal. JC Latham, who started all 17 games at left tackle after being drafted No. 7 overall, is expected to move to the right side.

The Titans gave up 52 sacks, more than all but four other teams in 2024. They also added offensive lineman Blake Hance for much-needed depth.

They also changed punters, bringing in 17-year veteran and four-time Pro Bowler Johnny Hekker for Ryan Stonehouse, a former undrafted free agent who turned in the top two single-season gross punting averages in NFL history. Stonehouse also was first with a 52.2-yard average between 2022-24.

This reunites Hekker with the Titans' new special teams coordinator John Fassel.

The Titans signed safety Xavier Woods to a two-year deal, bolstered the receiving group by signing Van Jefferson and they also released guard Saahdiq Charles and brought back defensive lineman Sebastian Joseph-Day after he started 12 of 17 games last season.

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