The Titans added three waiver claims, veteran safety Terrell Burgess and veteran tackle James Hudson while moving on from five players who made their initial 53. Here's what each newcomer brings.

By PAUL KHARSKY

NASHVILLE, Tenn. -- The Titans reshaped the bottom of their roster Monday, adding three players through waiver claims and signing veterans James Hudson and Terrell Burgess.

Hudson was with Brian Daboll and Carmen Bricillo on the New York Giants last year. 

Here are quick scouting reports on all five new players from former Titans scouting director Blake Beddingfield.

New England Patriots offensive tackle James Hudson III (51) blocks Cleveland Browns defensive end Khordae Sydnor (90) during an NFL preseason football game in Cleveland, Thursday, Aug. 27, 2026. (AP Photo/Kirk Irwin)
James Hudson (51) at work for the Patriots / ASSOCIATED PRESS

The team released these five players to make room: Xavier Restrepo, Erick Hallett, Jerrick Reed, Mohamoud Diabate and Austin Deculus.

LB Owen Pappoe, claimed from Arizona

Beddingfield: Average size at 6-0, 230. Very Good speed. Explosive and twitchy type athlete. Has three-down traits but is truly a special teams contributor. Has struggled with key/diagnose and getting off blocks. Not big, so that happens. A backup.

CB Melvin Smith, claimed from Chiefs

Beddingfield: Smith: Average size (6-1, 185) and frame. Good speed, feet and quickness. Solid instincts. This was a raw player who is still developing. Can align inside and out at corner. Should be able to compete on special teams. Backup-level player.

DT Nazir Stackhouse, claimed from Packers

Beddingfield: Brings size and strength.  Can play the NT, and 3-tech.  Run defender first. Upside and underdeveloped pass rusher but has skills. Not on pass rush unit, but not a zero either. Backup type.  

S Terrell Burgess, signed after cut by Saints

Beddingfield: Solid size (5-11, 202) and frame. Solid speed but not special. Wins with smarts, instincts, and feel for game. Good tackler, good coverage player because of feel, but lack of top-end shows.  Backup-level performer who can have some success on special teams. 

OT James Hudson, signed after cut by Giants

Beddingfield: Can play both sides in a pinch. Big frame, adequate length. Susceptible to penalties but has the type of run blocking the team prefers as a power run blocker. Moves well for his size. Interesting player because he isn’t consistent, like most backups. More of a flasher. An upside player with potential.

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Paul Kuharsky has covered the Tennessee Titans since 1996, first for The Tennessean, then ESPN.com and now independently at paulkuharsky.com. He is a member of the Pro Football Hall of Fame selection committee and one of the longest-tenured Titans beat reporters in the franchise's history.

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