The LA Chargers found success last offseason by bringing in several former Tennessee Titans players. Now, with a need to fill Poona Ford’s spot on the defensive line, they are once again looking to Tennessee for reinforcements.
Earlier in the week, the Chargers re-signed ex-Titan Teair Tart, and on Thursday, they added another former Titans defensive tackle, Da’Shawn Hand, on a one-year contract. However, two former Titans on the defensive line weren’t enough for the Bolts.
Shortly after signing Hand, the Chargers also reached a one-year deal with defensive tackle Naquan Jones. Jones, an undrafted free agent, spent over two seasons with the Titans before joining the Arizona Cardinals.
Chargers bolster defensive line with several former Titans
Tart, Hand, Jones, and edge rusher Bud Dupree were all teammates on the Titans’ defensive line in 2022. While that season was a disappointing one for Mike Vrabel’s squad, the defensive line was not to blame.
Tennessee led the league in total rushing yards allowed, ranked first in yards allowed per carry, and was second in rushing touchdowns allowed. Opposing teams struggled to run the ball against them, a strength the Chargers aim to replicate in 2025.
It’s evident that Joe Hortiz and Jim Harbaugh appreciate what Vrabel built in Tennessee. Tart and Dupree thrived in their roles in 2024, and the Chargers are hoping Hand and Jones can do the same.
Jones appeared in 12 games last season, recording three sacks, four tackles for loss, and 27 total tackles. He played just 34% of the Cardinals’ defensive snaps due to injuries and remained a rotational player.
That’s been Jones’ role throughout his career. He has only started eight games—seven with the Titans—and his highest single-season snap count was 328 as a rookie in 2021.
The Chargers are making smart moves to bolster their defensive line depth, but questions remain. With all three former Titans on one-year deals, Los Angeles still lacks a long-term solution at the position.
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