BREAKING NEWS: Tennessee Titans Release Cornerback Chidobe Awuzie To The Cincinnati Bengals After Costly $36M Contract; Bengals Eye Potential Defensive Reinforcements for Upcoming Season
NASHVILLE, TN — In a stunning move that is sure to send shockwaves through the NFL landscape, the Tennessee Titans have officially released cornerback Chidobe Awuzie, who is now headed to the Cincinnati Bengals, according to sources close to the situation. The move comes after Tennessee decided to part ways with the veteran cornerback, whose hefty $36 million contract, signed just two years ago, had become a point of contention for the Titans’ financial flexibility.
Awuzie, 29, who was acquired by the Titans in 2023 with high hopes of bolstering their secondary, had shown flashes of brilliance but struggled with consistency and injuries during his tenure in Nashville. The move is the latest in a series of salary cap-driven decisions by the Titans, who have been retooling their roster in an attempt to regain their competitive edge in the AFC South.
Meanwhile, the Cincinnati Bengals have wasted no time in capitalizing on the Titans’ decision. In a move that strengthens their defensive backfield, the Bengals have quickly agreed to terms with Awuzie on a new deal, signaling their intent to reinforce their defense ahead of the 2025 season.
Tennessee Titans Move On From Awuzie
The decision to release Awuzie came as part of Tennessee’s broader strategy to shed salary cap space and restructure their roster for the upcoming season. While Awuzie was expected to be a cornerstone piece of the Titans’ defensive secondary, his $36 million contract was seen as a significant burden given the team’s cap constraints and the limited return on investment.
Over the past two seasons, Awuzie had struggled to consistently live up to the lofty expectations that accompanied his contract. Though he flashed his potential as a shutdown corner, the former Dallas Cowboys standout battled injuries and an inability to stay on the field, which ultimately led to diminishing returns for the Titans. Despite his impressive 2023 campaign, where he recorded 3 interceptions and 12 pass deflections, the Titans had reportedly been looking for ways to move on from his contract for some time.
With the release, Tennessee frees up valuable cap space, which could be reinvested into other areas of their roster, such as bolstering their pass rush or adding depth at wide receiver. Head coach Mike Vrabel and general manager Ran Carthon have emphasized their desire to build a more sustainable team, and the decision to part with Awuzie is viewed as a necessary step in that process.
“We felt it was the right decision for our team and our future,” said Carthon in a statement. “Chidobe is a talented player, but as we look at our long-term vision, we believe this move puts us in a better position to compete moving forward. We wish him all the best in his future endeavors.”
Cincinnati Bengals Make Strategic Move for Awuzie
As one door closes in Nashville, another opens in Cincinnati. The Bengals, looking to continue their championship window, quickly pounced on the opportunity to sign Awuzie to a deal that fits their needs and cap structure. The Bengals had been searching for a reliable cornerback to pair alongside their star-studded secondary, and Awuzie offers both experience and upside in a division that features explosive passing offenses like those of the Baltimore Ravens and Cleveland Browns.
Awuzie, who has established himself as one of the more skilled cornerbacks in the league, joins a Bengals defense that already boasts standout players such as defensive end Trey Hendrickson and linebacker Logan Wilson. Awuzie’s ability to play both outside and in the slot gives Cincinnati flexibility in their defensive schemes and adds depth to their cornerback room.
“Chidobe is a proven player in this league, and we believe he can help take our defense to the next level,” said Bengals head coach Zac Taylor. “We’ve been focused on continuing to build a strong, aggressive defense that can challenge any offense in the NFL, and adding Chidobe is a step in that direction. We’re excited to get him in here and see how he fits into our system.”
The Bengals signed Awuzie to a two-year, $18 million deal, offering him the opportunity to reinvigorate his career while helping Cincinnati contend for a Super Bowl. The move comes as the Bengals are focused on adding pieces to their defense to complement their high-powered offense led by quarterback Joe Burrow. Awuzie will likely be expected to start immediately, providing veteran leadership and stability to a secondary that includes standout players like Jessie Bates and Dax Hill.
A Shift in AFC Power Dynamics
The Bengals’ addition of Awuzie adds another layer of intrigue to an already competitive AFC, where teams like the Kansas City Chiefs, Buffalo Bills, and Baltimore Ravens are all vying for dominance. Cincinnati’s decision to fortify their defense, particularly the secondary, is a clear indication that they are not only looking to win now but also preparing for a potential postseason run.
With Awuzie in the fold, the Bengals now have one of the more well-rounded secondaries in the league, and they’ll be able to better match up against some of the AFC’s top quarterbacks. The signing also places the Bengals in a strong position to remain one of the league’s elite defenses, a key factor in their push for a second Super Bowl appearance in three years.
What’s Next for the Titans?
As the dust settles in Tennessee, the Titans now face the challenge of filling the void left by Awuzie’s departure. The Titans could look to the draft or free agency to bolster their secondary and add a cornerback who can contribute immediately. With the 2025 NFL Draft fast approaching, the Titans may target a cornerback prospect to pair with budding star Kristian Fulton and provide depth behind veteran safety Kevin Byard.
While the release of Awuzie may sting in the short term, Tennessee’s front office has a plan in place to ensure the team remains competitive moving forward. With ample cap space and a focus on building from within, the Titans will look to position themselves as contenders in a wide-open AFC South.
Conclusion
Chidobe Awuzie’s release and subsequent signing with the Bengals is a pivotal moment for both teams. While the Titans’ decision to part ways with the cornerback clears cap space and aligns with their long-term vision, the Bengals have gained a valuable asset in their quest for a championship. As the NFL offseason continues to heat up, both teams will now shift their focus toward preparing for a 2025 season filled with high expectations.
