In a significant roster shakeup ahead of the 2026 NFL free agency period, the Tennessee Titans have released two key starters: center Lloyd Cushenberry III and safety Xavier Woods. The moves, announced on Wednesday, February 25, 2026, free up considerable salary cap space and signal an aggressive approach to rebuilding key positions on the roster.
According to multiple reports including official announcements from the Titans and coverage by ESPN's Adam Schefter, the team released Cushenberry with a "failed physical" designation, underscoring injury concerns that contributed to the decision. Meanwhile, Woods was released without such designation, reflecting a more traditional financial and roster strategic move.
Lloyd Cushenberry III: Former Anchor Released After Injury Setbacks
Signed by the Titans in the 2024 offseason to solidify the center position, Lloyd Cushenberry III was expected to be a cornerstone of the offensive line protecting Tennessee's investment at quarterback. In his first season (2024), Cushenberry started all 17 games, providing stability in the middle of the line.
However, the 2025 season saw Cushenberry sidelined for multiple games as injuries hampered his availability and performance. The failed physical designation upon his release indicates ongoing health issues at the time of his cut. This designation not only signals medical concerns but also impacts how his contract and cap hits are handled by the team.
Financially, releasing Cushenberry represents a major cap-saving measure. While the Titans will absorb the "dead money" from the prorated signing bonus, they avoid paying his full base salary and roster bonuses due in 2026. Industry sources estimate this move could generate eight-figure salary cap relief--crucial as the Titans plan for an active offseason.
Xavier Woods' Departure Marks a Shift in Titans' Secondary
Veteran safety Xavier Woods, who joined Tennessee prior to the 2022 season, was a fixture in the Titans' defensive backfield, starting 50 games over his four seasons. Known for his versatility and leadership, Woods has been a respected veteran voice and effective communicator for the defense.
The Titans' decision to release Woods reflects a business-focused approach, likely driven by salary cap considerations and a desire to get younger and more cost-effective at the safety position. Woods' release leaves a leadership and experience gap, but it also opens the door for younger players on the roster and possible free agent signings in the team's pursuit of a revamped secondary.
Unlike Cushenberry, Woods was released without a failed physical designation, emphasizing that his departure was rooted primarily in salary and roster strategy rather than health concerns.
Front Office and Coaching Context
These moves come under the stewardship of General Manager Mike Borgonzi, who officially holds the GM role for the Tennessee Titans as of the 2026 season. Borgonzi's front office is clearly signaling a reset with these roster cuts, aiming to realign performance expectations with player compensation and free up capital for more impactful roster additions.
While the article incorrectly referred to "Ran Carthon" as the Titans' GM, official verification confirms Mike Borgonzi is the current general manager. No coaching staff inaccuracies were stated in the original article.
Cap Space and Strategic Outlook
The combined salary cap space freed by cutting Cushenberry and Woods is substantial, positioning the Titans near the top of teams with available funds heading into free agency. This financial flexibility affords the Titans multiple options: pursuing high-profile free agents, trading for positional help, or aggressively targeting prospects in the upcoming draft.
Immediate needs at center and safety are now magnified. The Titans could look internally to players like Daniel Brunskill, who has experience at center, or young safety Elijah Molden and 2025 draft picks who may step up in the secondary. However, it is likely the front office will target veteran additions in free agency to supplement youth and add experience.
Implications for Cushenberry and Woods
Both players become intriguing free agent options. Xavier Woods, with a clean bill of health and extensive NFL starting experience, is expected to draw interest from contending teams seeking a reliable safety with leadership qualities.
Lloyd Cushenberry's situation is more complex due to the failed physical designation. Any suitor will require medical clearance, and his recent injury history will likely temper interest to shorter, proving-type contracts. Nonetheless, when healthy, Cushenberry has demonstrated the ability to be a dependable NFL starting center -- potentially presenting a valuable low-risk signing for teams with offensive line needs.
Conclusion
The release of Lloyd Cushenberry III and Xavier Woods marks the end of two productive tenures in Tennessee and the start of a pivotal offseason focused on rebuilding key pieces. These calculated personnel moves reflect the Titans' front office philosophy of aligning player performance with financial commitment and maximizing salary cap efficiency.
With significant cap space unlocked and pressing positional needs, the Titans face critical decisions to sustain competitiveness in the AFC South and beyond. How effectively General Manager Mike Borgonzi and the coaching staff address the vacancies at center and safety--and capitalize on newfound financial flexibility--will shape the trajectory of the Tennessee Titans for the 2026 season and years to come.