Nashville, TN — The Tennessee Titans are heading into training camp with a cloud of uncertainty over one of their defensive stars, as cornerback Roger McCreary has reportedly held out of team activities amid ongoing contract extension talks.
Entering his fourth NFL season in 2025, McCreary — one of the Titans’ most consistent defenders in the secondary — is playing on the final year of his rookie deal. With negotiations intensifying in recent weeks, sources close to the situation confirm that the Titans’ front office and McCreary’s representatives remain apart on numbers, with McCreary’s camp pushing for a deal north of $20 million guaranteed.
⚠️ Contract Standoff Details:
•McCreary’s market value has surged after an impressive 2024 campaign, where he posted 3 interceptions, 14 pass breakups, and was graded as one of the Titans’ top defenders by PFF.
•Talks reportedly stalled after initial proposals landed in the $12M to $15M per year range, well below the $20M+ threshold his camp is eyeing.
•Titans head coach Brian Callahan and GM Ran Carthon have remained relatively silent publicly, but team sources describe the situation as “tense but negotiable.”
📢 What This Means for the Titans:
•McCreary’s holdout comes just weeks before training camp, potentially disrupting defensive continuity.
•As the team looks to rebuild and strengthen around Will Levis, Calvin Ridley, and a revamped offense, defensive stability is critical.
•Losing or alienating McCreary could force the Titans into the cornerback market — or push younger players like Tre Avery and rookie additions into bigger roles.
🗣️ Player’s Statement:
While McCreary hasn’t issued a formal public comment, sources say he’s “focused on his future and standing firm on his value.” Friends close to him have described this as the “biggest negotiation of his career yet.”
💰 The Stakes:
•Titans want to keep their core together, but cap space is tight, especially after investing heavily in offensive free agents and extensions for other key defenders.
•NFL insiders believe McCreary’s value could command $18–22M annually on the open market if no agreement is reached before the season.
With training camp looming, all eyes now turn to Nashville: will the Titans blink — or will McCreary test free agency next offseason?
📅 Developing story… Stay tuned for updates.
