On May 14, 2025, a surprising piece of news shook the American football world as former Dallas Cowboys starting cornerback Amani Oruwariye officially signed a one-year contract with the Tennessee Titans. This move not only marks a turning point in Oruwariye’s career but also stunned Cowboys fans, especially as the team grapples with challenges in their secondary.
Amani Oruwariye’s Journey with the Dallas Cowboys
Amani Oruwariye, 29, joined the Dallas Cowboys in August 2024 after brief stints with the New York Giants and Jacksonville Jaguars. Prior to that, he spent four seasons with the Detroit Lions, where he made an impact with six interceptions in 2021, ranking third in the NFL. With the Cowboys, Oruwariye was initially signed to the practice squad before being promoted to the active roster due to a series of injuries at the cornerback position.
In the 2024 season, Oruwariye appeared in seven games, starting four. He recorded 29 tackles, one interception, and three passes defensed. However, his performance was inconsistent, notably marred by a critical error in Week 14 when he mishandled a blocked punt in a 27-20 loss to the Cincinnati Bengals. This blunder drew significant criticism and led many to believe Oruwariye fell short of the expectations for a high-aspiration team like the Cowboys.
Why Did the Titans Choose Oruwariye?
The Tennessee Titans, a team in the process of rebuilding their defense, swiftly acquired Oruwariye to add depth to their struggling cornerback unit. With only three interceptions from their entire cornerback group last season, the Titans needed a player with experience and playmaking ability like Oruwariye. He brings versatility, with 10 career interceptions and 27 passes defensed, along with familiarity with special teams coach John Fassel, who previously worked with him in Dallas.
The one-year deal with the Titans offers Oruwariye a chance to regain his form and prove his worth after a challenging stint in Dallas. According to sources, Oruwariye will compete for a spot in the starting lineup while also contributing on special teams, where he has both impressed and sparked controversy.
Impact on the Dallas Cowboys
Oruwariye’s departure is a significant blow to the Cowboys’ defense, which has been plagued by injuries in recent years. The team’s top cornerbacks, Trevon Diggs and DaRon Bland, have struggled to stay healthy, with Diggs almost certainly sidelined for the early part of the 2025 season due to a serious knee injury. Additionally, rookie Shavon Revel, a third-round pick in the 2025 NFL Draft, is still recovering from an ACL injury.
While the Cowboys still boast talent in their secondary, losing an experienced player like Oruwariye forces the team to urgently seek replacements. The Cowboys will likely rely on rookies or consider signing additional free-agent veterans in the near future.
Looking Ahead
For Amani Oruwariye, moving to the Tennessee Titans is an opportunity to restart his career and step out of the shadow of his mistakes in Dallas. With the Titans, he may find a more suitable environment to showcase his skills. Meanwhile, Cowboys fans will continue to follow Oruwariye, albeit in a different uniform, to see if he can make an impact in the AFC South.
This move is not only a strategic step for the Titans but also a reminder of the NFL’s harsh realities, where a single mistake can shape a player’s career. Can Oruwariye “resurrect” his career in Tennessee? Only time will tell.