On August 9, 2025, the Tennessee Titans made a notable move by adding cornerback Melvin Smith off waivers, as part of a series of roster adjustments. Alongside Smith, the Titans also secured safety Terrell Burgess and offensive tackle James Hudson, bringing their total roster additions to five since the initial 53-man roster was finalized.
Melvin Smith, who entered the NFL as an undrafted free agent with the Kansas City Chiefs last season, has a connection to Titans General Manager Mike Borgonzi, who was part of the Chiefs' organization during Smith's tenure there. Although Borgonzi may not have directly scouted Smith, his experience with late-round cornerbacks suggests he sees potential in the player. During the recent preseason, Smith participated in 47 snaps, allowing four receptions for 29 yards and one touchdown, while also recording six tackles, according to Pro Football Focus.
To accommodate Smith on the 53-man roster, the Titans waived Erick Hallett II, a decision that raised eyebrows given Hallett's impressive performance during training camp and the preseason. However, the Titans were able to re-sign Hallett to their practice squad, ensuring they retain his services moving forward.
Throughout the 2025 season, Smith did not see any action in regular-season games for the Chiefs, spending the majority of his rookie year on the practice squad. The Chiefs' decision to bring in several new cornerbacks, including former Titans player L’Jarius Sneed and Kristian Fulton, as well as drafting first-round pick Mansoor Delane, ultimately made Smith expendable.
The Titans' history with waiver-wire cornerbacks is mixed. Last season, they claimed Jalyn Armour-Davis and Sam Womack II, but neither player made a significant impact on the field. Armour-Davis struggled notably, while Womack found it difficult to earn playing time. This context adds a layer of intrigue to Smith's acquisition, as most players available at this stage of the season often struggle to find a foothold in the league.
Despite the challenges that come with waiver additions, Borgonzi's track record with late-round cornerbacks during his time in Kansas City could bode well for Smith. He has previously identified and developed talents like Joshua Williams, Sneed, and Jaylen Watson, suggesting that there is potential for Smith to emerge as a valuable asset for the Titans. Currently, Smith joins the Titans' secondary as the fifth cornerback, filling a crucial role as the team navigates the early stages of the season.
As the Titans aim to bolster their defense, fans will be watching closely to see if Smith can transform into a hidden gem from the waiver wire, contributing positively to the team's efforts in the upcoming games.
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