On Wednesday, the Tennessee Titans executed a series of notable roster moves. They elevated defensive lineman James Lynch from the practice squad to the active roster and added outside linebacker Kyron Johnson to the practice squad. This follows the earlier addition of wide receiver Tay Martin to their ranks.
James Lynch’s Promotion
James Lynch’s elevation to the active roster comes on the heels of his participation in the Titans’ Week 1 defeat against the Chicago Bears. In that game, Lynch was promoted from the practice squad for the day, a move that saw him take the field in seven defensive snaps. During his time on the field, Lynch managed to generate one quarterback pressure, as noted by Pro Football Focus. His performance clearly left an impression on the Titans’ coaching staff, as evidenced by this recent move to secure him a regular spot on the roster.
Kyron Johnson’s Signing
Kyron Johnson’s addition to the practice squad is particularly noteworthy given his prior connections with the Titans’ coaching staff. Johnson, who was a sixth-round pick by the Philadelphia Eagles in the 2022 NFL Draft, has a history with Titans defensive coordinator Dennard Wilson and defensive line coach Tracy Rocker. Both coaches were with the Eagles during Johnson’s rookie year. Although Wilson moved on to the Baltimore Ravens in 2023, Rocker continued to coach Johnson through the 2023 season.
Standing at 6 feet 2 inches and weighing 235 pounds, Johnson might be considered undersized for a traditional linebacker role, but his athleticism is remarkable. His pre-draft performance included a 40-yard dash time of 4.40 seconds and a vertical jump of 39.5 inches. Johnson’s impressive showing in recent preseason games further supports his potential value. In August, while vying for a spot on the Pittsburgh Steelers’ 53-man roster, Johnson notched six pressures and six quarterback hurries.
During his time with the Eagles, Johnson appeared in four preseason games across 2022 and 2023. His rookie season saw him achieve three pressures and nine tackles, while his second year yielded two pressures in a single exhibition game. Given the Titans’ lack of pass-rushing impact from their EDGE defenders other than Harold Landry in Week 1, general manager Ran Carthon may look to Johnson as a potential game-changer. Should Johnson excel, he might challenge current roster members Ali Gaye and Caleb Murphy for their positions.
Tay Martin’s Addition
Tay Martin, another recent addition, joins the Titans following two seasons on the San Francisco 49ers’ practice squad. Martin’s collegiate career at Oklahoma State was particularly notable; in his final season, he recorded 80 receptions for 1,046 yards, averaging 13.1 yards per catch, and scored 10 touchdowns. His performance at the collegiate level was impressive and has likely caught the eye of the Titans’ scouting staff.
The Titans’ receiver corps is currently quite crowded, with Mason Kinsey and Bryce Oliver also on the practice squad. Martin’s entry into this competitive environment indicates the team’s desire to bolster their receiving options. His addition could bring a fresh dynamic to the group, as the Titans continue to assess and refine their roster.
In summary, these transactions reflect the Titans’ ongoing efforts to enhance their roster and address any deficiencies noted in their Week 1 performance. Lynch’s move to the active roster and Johnson’s signing to the practice squad could potentially impact the team’s defensive capabilities, while Martin’s addition offers additional depth to the receiver position. As the Titans continue to navigate the early part of the season, these changes underscore their commitment to improving their lineup and exploring every avenue for potential success.