March 17, 2026, 4:47 a.m. ET
The NFL media outlets are all about hot takes and instant grading on everything from signings to the draft, and of course, trades, and at long last, the Tennessee Titans‘ grade for the Solomon Thomas trade with the Dallas Cowboys has dropped.
In the trade, a basic pick swap, the Titans received Thomas and a seventh-round pick (No. 225), and in return, the Cowboys received a seventh-round pick (No. 218). Basically, an exchange of seven draft slots to acquire an experienced depth piece that is familiar with the system.
In grading this trade, NFL.com analyst Kevin Patra gave both sides a C+ grade.
The Cowboys were prepared to release Thomas, who was viewed as an ill-fit in new defensive coordinator Christian Parker’s system, meaning the trade saved them no more cap space than they’d have obtained through releasing the rotational defensive tackle. Thomas appeared in 16 games for Dallas last season, generating 27 tackles and zero sacks. Moving up seven spots in the draft is something, I guess.
Tennessee continues to stockpile players with whom coach Robert Saleh is familiar. Saleh is VERY familiar with Thomas. Since the 49ers used a first-round pick on the DT in 2017, he’s played under Saleh in seven of his nine seasons. Thomas never lived up to his lofty draft status and has been uneven in recent campaigns. In limited snaps last year, he had just 12 QB pressures with six missed tackles. Given where the Titans are in their rebuild, it’s a fine, cheap addition that should provide some insurance behind star Jeffery Simmons and free-agent signing John Franklin-Myers. Acquiring a player Saleh is comfortable with is worth the seven-spot drop in the seventh round. However, Thomas isn’t a lock to make the opening-day roster, and shouldn’t be counted on for more than a smattering of snaps if he does stick with the club.
What Patra points out may be valid, the Cowboys were poised to release Solomon and the Titans swooped in to add some potential depth to a unit that had none. This is a great example of why grading trades when they happen means very little, because even if Solomon fails to make the team, Tennessee gave up nothing that will be missed. They still have a seventh round pick, and could potentially find an impact player with that slot. No matter what, it was a win-win situation for both sides.
Expert NFL picks: Exclusive betting insights only at USA TODAY.
Yes, a C+ is a passing grade, but sometimes, transactions should just be given an incomplete, it would be a more realistic approach.