The Tennessee Titans confirmed that veteran edge rusher Lorenzo Carter has decided to retire just one day before training camp begins on Wednesday. Carter, 29, signed a one-year deal with the Titans during free agency ahead of the 2025 season. The retirement decision comes after his seven-year NFL career with the New York Giants and Atlanta Falcons, where he accumulated impressive stats including 14.5 sacks and 15 passes defended across 96 games.
Carter’s decision to retire was announced by Titans general manager Mile Borgonzi, who stated, “He notified us yesterday that he will be retiring,” adding, “So we wish him well.” This sudden retirement raises questions about the impact on the Titans’ defense, which now has seven edge rushers on its roster. Carter’s departure leaves a void that the team will need to address, as they prepare for the 2025 season.
During his time with the Giants, Carter had 153 combined tackles, 14.5 sacks, one interception, 15 passes defended, five forced fumbles, and four fumble recoveries. Following his four-year stint with the Giants, Carter signed a one-year, $3.5 million contract with the Falcons. He started all 17 games in that season and parlayed that into a two-year, $9 million contract the following year.
Last season, Carter started 11 of the 13 games he played in and had 32 combined tackles and no sacks for the Falcons. His retirement comes just as the Titans are looking to bolster their defense, with seven edge rushers on the roster. The team will now have to work with the remaining players to fill the gap created by Carter’s departure. With no clear indication of who will step up in his absence, the Titans’ defensive strategy for the upcoming season is now in question.