Titans Add Veteran Edge Rusher Following Lorenzo Carter Retirement

Titans Add Veteran Edge Rusher Following Lorenzo Carter Retirement originally appeared on Athlon Sports.

The Tennessee Titans lost a rotational member of their edge rusher/outside linebacker crew at the start of training camp when veteran Lorenzo Carter decided to retire. Titans general manager Mike Borgonzi broke the news of Carter letting the organization know of his retirement, but he also stated there was a chance the team could add another edge rusher at some point. Well, that point is now, as the Titans have now signed veteran defensive end/outside linebacker Jihad Ward.

Ward was drafted by the Raiders in the second round of the 2016 NFL Draft and has played for the Raiders, Indianapolis Colts, Baltimore Ravens, Jacksonville Jaguars, New York Giants and most recently, the Minnesota Vikings. Overall, he has not been a player who has been particularly effective rushing the passer.

Over his nine-year career, he has accumulated a total of 19 sacks, with a career-high of five sacks in the 2023 season with the New York Giants.  But even though he is not a solid pass-rusher, he can stop the run and has done that effectively throughout his career.

As far as what he brings to the Titans, he more than likely will be a rotational piece that will replace what Carter would have likely brought as a backup for the Titans. With his addition, the Titans still need an explosive pass-rusher who will be able to draw the attention of offensive coordinators and offensive lines alike. So, while this might be a depth signing for Tennessee, expect them to still look around for more potential additions to the edge rusher room they have in Nashville, as that remains a weakness after this signing.

Related: Former Titans GM Ran Carthon Gives His Thoughts on Cam Ward

This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Jul 24, 2025, where it first appeared.