The Tennessee Titans wanted Cam Ward to be protected in the pocket, even if it meant overpaying by about $30 million.
That investment looks worse by the day after CBS Sports’ Garrett Podell tagged Dan Moore Jr. as the NFL’s most overpaid offensive tackle. Free-agent cash moves fast in Nashville, but watching a high-priced starter rank 57th out of 84 qualified tackles isn’t giving anyone peace of mind.
Podell named Moore to his All-Overpaid squad for one simple reason: his 2025 performance completely fails to back up the $50 million guaranteed Tennessee handed him in their 4-year, $82 million contract.
“The Tennessee Titans reeled in Dan Moore Jr. to be 2025 first overall pick quarterback Cam Ward’s blindside protector in free agency a year ago, and he was an absolute disaster,” Podell explains.
“Moore allowed eight sacks in 2025, tied for the seventh-most in the NFL, while surrendering 46 quarterback pressures, the second most in the NFL and just one behind Cowboys right tackle Terence Steele’s league-leading 47. Out of the 84 offensive tackles graded by Pro Football Focus in 2025, Moore’s 61.9 offensive grade ranked 57th. Only three more years to go.”
Dan Moore Jr. Under the Microscope
GettyTennessee Titans’ left tackle Dan Moore Jr ranked the most overpaid OT in NFL
Instead, his disastrous 2025 debut proved Pittsburgh right—and early 2026 training camp updates suggest his pass protection hasn’t made the leap Tennessee desperately needs.
It’s not just the stats alone. Titans knew Moore’s spotty track record in Pittsburgh, but they still gambled $50 million guaranteed, hoping he would work out here.
His disastrous 2025 debut explains Pittsburgh’s decision to let him walk. A dismal debut season crushed those hopes. That put him under immense pressure for the 2026 season.
So far, the training camp updates aren’t too promising either.
Early in August 2026, Moore gave the Titans a big injury scare when he suffered an undisclosed injury. The trainers had to help him off the field, sparking instant tension about the left tackle starter.
The Titans’ backup for Moore is Austin Deculus, who earned the lowest PFF grade among all NFL tackles in 2025.
However, 48 hours later, Moore was back in action in training camp. He didn’t miss any preseason games as well, playing against both the 49ers in Week 1 and the Seahawks in Week 2.
Every sack and pressure he surrenders this fall will be under intense scrutiny.
Should Titans be Worried?
GettyTitans’ left tackle Dan Moore Jr ranked the most overpaid OT in NFL; GM Mike Borgonzi might be considering options.
Yes, at least until they find another left tackle.
Entering the 2026 season, Moore already holds a massive $26.35 million cap hit—the third-highest among all NFL tackles this year, trailing only elite All-Pros. That makes his low-tier play even harder to stomach.
Moore might have one more year to prove he can play. If the substandard performance continues in 2026, GM Mike Borgonzi might already be ringing some front offices by March 2027.
Borgonzi built a potential out in the contract after the 2026 season. His dead cap drops to $12.75 million in March 2027, meaning if he struggles again this year, Tennessee can cut ties early.
With all reins in Ward’s hands, baseline stability would be the bare minimum standard Moore needs to live up to if he wants to avoid triggering Borgonzi’s 2027 contract scape hatch.
Titans $82 Million Free Agent Named Most Overpaid Offseason Signing