Tennessee Titans Release Kellen Diesch as They Move to Add Kicker

The Tennessee Titans made a surprising move on Thursday, releasing offensive tackle Kellen Diesch, just a little over a month after signing him to their roster. Diesch, a former Pittsburgh Steelers practice squad player, found himself caught in a numbers game as the Titans focused on bolstering their special teams unit with the signing of former Steelers kicker Matthew Wright.

Diesch, an athletic and sizable offensive tackle, was originally drafted by the Arizona State Sun Devils before entering the NFL. Known for his impressive speed, he ran a sub-5.0 40-yard dash at his pro day, showcasing a unique combination of agility and size that stood out to scouts. The Titans, in need of adding a kicker after some ongoing questions surrounding their kicking game, ultimately chose to part ways with Diesch in favor of strengthening their special teams. The move highlights the Titans’ commitment to addressing their immediate needs, even at the expense of a promising young offensive lineman.

Though Diesch has yet to see action in an NFL game, his path to this point is anything but ordinary. After spending the majority of his 2022 season with the Chicago Bears and parts of the 2023 season with the Steelers, Diesch’s career has been a journey through various NFL practice squads. He was initially signed by Pittsburgh in 2023, but was released during the offseason after training camp. The Cleveland Browns briefly picked him up, only for the deal to fall through after he failed his physical. The New England Patriots also took a look at Diesch, signing him to their practice squad before he ultimately found his way to Tennessee.

At 6-foot-7 and 300 pounds, Diesch possesses ideal size for an NFL offensive tackle, and his athleticism is hard to ignore. A two-time All-PAC 12 selection, his pedigree and physical tools have kept him in the mix for practice squad roles, and there’s still potential for him to find an opportunity with another team looking to bolster their offensive line depth.

While Diesch’s NFL career to date has been marked by setbacks and near-misses, his combination of size, athleticism, and versatility has kept him in the conversation. For the Titans, his release was likely more about short-term needs rather than long-term potential. With Wright now joining the team, the focus shifts to stabilizing the kicking situation in Tennessee, leaving Diesch to once again find a new home in the league—hopefully for a more permanent stay.

For now, the 25-year-old tackle is left to find his next chance in the NFL, but don’t be surprised if his physical talents lead to another opportunity down the road. Teams are always on the lookout for players with his blend of size and mobility, and with his experience across multiple practice squads, Diesch’s NFL journey is far from over.