Can Caleb Murphy make second-year jump for Titans?

One of the biggest questions the Tennessee Titans will face throughout the remaining portion of organized team activities (OTAS) and training camp is who will emerge as depth options at EDGE. When looking at the roster’s current construction, Arden Key is the expected starter opposite Harold Landry III. One player that could play himself into a role is second-year undrafted free agent Caleb Murphy.

The Titans signed Murphy as an undrafted free agent following the conclusion of the 2023 NFL Draft. The Ferris State University standout set an NCAA single-season sack record with 25.5 as he helped Ferris State win back-to-back D-II National Championships. Murphy then impressed the Titans throughout the preseason by leading the team in sacks with four. He made the 53-man roster coming out of August as a result.

Murphy was inactive on most game days for the Titans. He ended up appearing in just three games. Murphy totaled two tackles via four defensive snaps. He was more active via special teams, earning 40 snaps.

The Titans lost Denico Autry to free agency and have yet to acquire a suitable like-for-like replacement. Other players that earned snaps at EDGE also departed such as Trevis Gipson. Those departures could create more opportunities for Murphy.

Titans general manager Ran Carthon should probably sign some veteran experience at EDGE, but if the Titans are convinced by the current in-house options, either Murphy, Rashad Weaver, or rookie seventh-rounder Jaylen Harrell will be in a rotational role behind Landry and Key. Weaver is the most experienced player. He played 240 snaps last season, which equaled just a little more than 20% of all Titans defensive plays.

Weaver is running out of time to make a larger impact. Murphy arguably possesses a higher ceiling than any other option on the roster, Harrell included. A productive offseason could lead to a larger role for Murphy in 2024.