Robert Saleh, the former defensive coordinator of the San Francisco 49ers (2017-2020 and back in 2025), is now the head coach of the Tennessee Titans. In his tenure at Tennessee, Saleh is focused on building a stronger defense, and his top priority at the moment is to improve the secondary, especially at the cornerback position.
Saleh, who has a strong relationship with many players from San Francisco, is pushing for a major trade to bring in one of his favorite players, someone he has coached and developed at 49ers: Deommodore Lenoir. Lenoir, a high-potential cornerback, is seen by Saleh as the perfect piece to strengthen the Tennessee Titans’ defense.
Lenoir was named Second-Team All-Pro and Pro Bowler in the 2025 season, playing a vital role in the flexible defense of the 49ers, especially at both the slot corner and outside corner positions. Despite some minor injuries in the 2025 season, he maintained a high level of play with 5 interceptions and is one of the top cornerbacks in the NFL. However, Lenoir’s salary for 2026 is around $12 million (after signing a 4-year, $50 million extension in 2024), which is causing the 49ers to consider the possibility of a trade to free up cap space.
Tennessee Titans are in the process of rebuilding their defense under Robert Saleh, and Lenoir is seen as the ideal addition, especially for the cover-3 heavy system Saleh prefers. Saleh believes that Lenoir can help improve the Titans’ secondary and increase the team’s competitive strength, particularly when facing elite WRs like Ja’Marr Chase or Tyreek Hill.
In a conversation with his colleagues, Saleh didn’t hide his determination to bring Lenoir to Tennessee:
“He’s the player I’ve coached and developed at San Francisco, a player I hold dearly. He possesses all the qualities we need at Tennessee Titans. He’s the piece we’ve been missing. And now, I want him to leave 49ers. If he agrees, we’ll have the most important trade of the 2026 season. Now, it’s just a matter of waiting for his decision.”
This statement is full of determination and desire, and the curiosity surrounding Lenoir’s decision will surely keep people wondering about the outcome.
The 49ers are facing the challenge of exceeding the salary cap with large contracts for Brock Purdy, Nick Bosa, and Deebo Samuel. The Lenoir trade could help the 49ers save $6-8 million in cap space, which they could use to develop younger players like Ji’Ayir Brown or rookies like Renardo Green. While trading Lenoir might not be ideal, the financial benefit could make the decision easier for the 49ers.
A potential trade package could include a second-round pick (around #50 overall) and possibly a fourth-round pick, which is a reasonable offer for an elite cornerback like Lenoir at the peak of his career (26 years old). If this deal goes through, Lenoir would significantly improve the Titans’ defense, helping the team become a strong contender in the AFC South.
Trading Lenoir may not be ideal for the 49ers, but from a financial standpoint, it might be the right decision to free up cap space and focus on a light rebuild. Saleh is focused on building a stronger team, and acquiring Lenoir would be a major step to strengthen the Titans’ defense, taking advantage of his previous coaching relationship.
The Lenoir trade could be one of the most significant moves of the 2026 offseason and will have a huge impact on the defensive outlook of both 49ers and Titans. The 49ers will continue to look for financial balance, while the Titans could use Lenoir to increase their competitive strength for the upcoming season
