2026 Tennessee Titans Season Outlook

The Tennessee Titans enter the 2026 season attempting to transform a young, uneven roster into a credible long-term contender.

Tennessee finished 3-14 in 2025, losing 14 of its first 16 games before defeating Kansas City late in the season. Rookie quarterback Cam Ward showed flashes of franchise-level ability but played behind inconsistent protection and within an offense that lacked enough dependable receiving options. He finished his rookie campaign with 3,169 passing yards, 15 touchdowns, seven interceptions and two rushing scores.

The Titans responded with major changes. Robert Saleh replaced Brian Callahan as head coach, Brian Daboll became offensive coordinator and Gus Bradley took control of the defense. Tennessee added Wan’Dale Robinson, Daniel Bellinger, John Franklin-Myers, Alontae Taylor and Cor’Dale Flott, while also acquiring Jermaine Johnson II from the Jets. The draft then produced two first-round selections: receiver Carnell Tate and edge defender Keldric Faulk.

This remains a developmental team, but the roster is better structured than it was one year ago. Ward has more receiving talent, Saleh has substantially more defensive speed and the Titans have begun building a young core around several premium players.

Offense

Quarterback

Cam Ward enters his second season as the unquestioned starting quarterback.

Ward’s rookie season was inconsistent but encouraging. He struggled early behind poor protection, taking six sacks in the opener and five more the following week. As the season progressed, he became more comfortable attacking downfield, extending plays and using his arm talent outside the original structure. His late-season performances included an efficient victory over Kansas City and several games in which he generated offense despite difficult circumstances.

Ward’s strengths remain obvious:

• Exceptional arm talent from multiple platforms.
• Willingness to attack outside the numbers.
• Confidence throwing into tight windows.
• Ability to create after protection breaks down.
• Competitive aggressiveness in late-game situations.

The same aggression can create problems. Ward occasionally holds the ball too long, attempts difficult throws when a checkdown is available and relies on his arm to compensate for late processing.

Daboll’s arrival should help. His best offenses have used motion, spread formations, quarterback movement and defined reads to simplify coverage identification. Daboll previously helped Josh Allen develop in Buffalo and should build the offense around Ward’s particular strengths rather than asking him to become a conventional pocket distributor.

Ward’s primary developmental objectives are:

• Becoming more decisive against pressure.
• Reducing sacks caused by holding the ball.
• Improving timing with intermediate routes.
• Taking easier completions early in the down.
• Protecting the football when extending plays.
• Becoming more consistent from week to week.

The backup competition includes Mitchell Trubisky, Will Levis and Hendon Hooker. Trubisky has the most extensive starting experience, while Levis remains the more familiar organizational option. Hooker provides a developmental dual-threat alternative.

Ward is talented enough to accelerate Tennessee’s rebuild. The question is whether the surrounding offense allows him to develop normally rather than forcing him to create under pressure every week.

Running back

Tennessee has a deep and varied backfield.

Tony Pollard remains the most proven runner. He produced several strong performances late in 2025, including 164 yards and two touchdowns against Cleveland and 104 yards against San Francisco. His acceleration and receiving ability make him effective in both outside-zone and spread concepts.

Tyjae Spears provides another explosive receiving and change-of-pace option. Spears can run routes, contribute on screens and give the offense greater speed when Pollard is resting.

The Titans also have:

• Michael Carter.
• Julius Chestnut.
• Kalel Mullings.
• Fifth-round rookie Nick Singleton.

Singleton is the most intriguing addition. His combination of size and straight-line explosiveness gives Tennessee a potential long-term starter who can contribute immediately without being forced into a full workload.

The likely arrangement is:

• Pollard handling the largest share of early-down and receiving work.
• Spears serving as the primary complementary back.
• Singleton receiving selected downhill and explosive-play opportunities.
• Carter contributing on passing downs and special teams.
• Chestnut or Mullings competing for short-yardage and roster roles.

The backfield is deeper than the offensive line, which means production will still depend heavily on blocking. Tennessee should avoid becoming overly predictable by using Pollard exclusively as the outside runner and larger backs only in short-yardage situations.

Wide receiver

Wide receiver may be the most improved unit on the roster.

Calvin Ridley remains the established veteran. Ridley can threaten vertically, separate on intermediate routes and force defenses to respect the outside portion of the field. His second season with Ward should produce better timing and more consistent target placement.

Wan’Dale Robinson was one of Tennessee’s most important free-agent additions. He caught 92 passes for 1,014 yards and four touchdowns for the Giants in 2025 and gives Ward a dependable high-volume slot target.

Robinson’s presence should improve the offense in several areas:

• Quick answers against pressure.
• Third-down separation.
• Yards after the catch.
• Motion and formation flexibility.
• High-percentage completions that keep Ward on schedule.

The most important newcomer is fourth-overall selection Carnell Tate.

Tate enters with the size, ball skills and route-running ability to become a long-term No. 1 receiver. He should begin as a major rotational player and could quickly become the starter opposite Ridley. Tennessee selected him before adding edge defender Faulk later in the first round.

The supporting group includes:

• Chimere Dike.
• Elic Ayomanor.
• K.J. Osborn.
• Xavier Restrepo.
• Mason Kinsey.
• Several developmental receivers.

Dike brings speed and return value. Ayomanor showed encouraging chemistry with Ward late in 2025, including several important downfield catches. Osborn provides veteran depth.

The projected hierarchy is:

1. Calvin Ridley
2. Carnell Tate
3. Wan’Dale Robinson
4. Elic Ayomanor or Chimere Dike
5. K.J. Osborn or a special-teams receiver

This is a much more credible group than Tennessee fielded during Ward’s rookie season. Ridley stretches coverage, Robinson gives Ward a reliable underneath option and Tate provides a potential future centerpiece.

Tight end

The tight-end room has been completely reshaped.

Daniel Bellinger is the leading candidate to start. He brings experience as both a blocker and intermediate receiver and should fit Daboll’s use of multiple-tight-end formations.

Kylen Granson offers greater movement ability and can align in the slot or as an H-back. Gunnar Helm remains a developmental option after showing receiving potential during his rookie year.

The room also includes:

• Seventh-round rookie Jaren Kanak.
• David Martin-Robinson.
• Joel Wilson.

Kanak is an athletic conversion prospect who may contribute initially through special teams and selected offensive packages.

Tennessee does not have an established elite receiving tight end. The group should nevertheless be functional because Bellinger and Granson provide complementary skills.

Daboll can use two-tight-end personnel to:

• Help the offensive tackles in protection.
• Create play-action opportunities.
• Move Granson away from the formation.
• Improve the short-yardage running game.
• Give Ward larger targets over the middle.

The unit lacks star power but should be more reliable and versatile than last year’s group.

Offensive line

The offensive line remains Tennessee’s greatest offensive concern.

The projected starting group is:

• Left tackle: Dan Moore Jr.
• Left guard: Peter Skoronski
• Center: Austin Schlottmann, Andre James or rookie Pat Coogan
• Right guard: Cordell Volson, Garrett Dellinger or Fernando Carmona Jr.
• Right tackle: JC Latham, when healthy

The roster also includes Austin Deculus, Aamil Wagner and several developmental linemen.

Skoronski is the line’s most dependable player and should remain the foundation of the interior. Moore supplies veteran experience at left tackle, though he is better viewed as a stabilizing starter than an elite blindside protector.

Latham’s health is important. He began camp on the physically unable to perform list, creating immediate concern at right tackle.

Center is an open competition. Schlottmann has the most immediate familiarity, James provides veteran experience and sixth-round rookie Coogan offers longer-term upside.

Right guard is similarly unsettled. Volson has substantial NFL starting experience, while Carmona was selected in the fifth round and could eventually become part of the long-term line.

The line must improve in three areas:

• Preventing immediate pressure through the interior.
• Reducing communication errors.
• Establishing a dependable right side.
• Giving Ward enough time to progress beyond his first read.

Tennessee has added competition, but the unit remains more developmental than proven. An average offensive line would represent meaningful improvement. Another bottom-tier performance would significantly limit Ward and the entire offense.

Defense

Defensive transition

Saleh and Bradley inherit a defense with several excellent foundational players and substantially better depth than last season.

Saleh’s defenses have traditionally emphasized speed, disciplined zone coverage and pressure generated through the front four. His teams have frequently finished near the top of the league in total defense, and Tennessee hired him largely because of his history of constructing organized, aggressive units.

The defense should be built around:

• Jeffery Simmons inside.
• Jermaine Johnson II and Keldric Faulk on the edge.
• Anthony Hill Jr. at linebacker.
• Alontae Taylor and Cor’Dale Flott at cornerback.
• Amani Hooker and Kevin Winston Jr. at safety.

The talent level is improved. The question is how quickly the many new players learn Bradley and Saleh’s coverage and front responsibilities.

Defensive tackle

Jeffery Simmons remains the best player on the roster.

Simmons can dominate against the run, create interior pressure and force offenses to alter their blocking plans. He is the defender around whom Saleh and Bradley can structure the entire front.

John Franklin-Myers was one of Tennessee’s most important veteran additions. He brings positional versatility and can play defensive tackle, base end or interior pass rusher.

Solomon Thomas adds another experienced penetrator and brings energy and communication to a younger unit.

The remaining rotation includes:

• Jordan Elliott.
• Earnest Brown IV.
• Jalyn Holmes.
• Timmy Horne.
• Sixth-round rookie Jackie Marshall.
• Cam Horsley.

The Titans traded massive nose tackle T’Vondre Sweat to the Jets in exchange for Johnson. That deal improved the edge rush but removed a powerful interior run defender.

Tennessee may compensate by using Franklin-Myers and Elliott in heavier fronts while relying on Simmons and Thomas to generate more passing-down penetration.

This is a good defensive-tackle group at the top. Depth and run defense become concerns if Simmons misses time.

Edge rushers

Jermaine Johnson II becomes the established veteran centerpiece of the edge group.

The Titans acquired Johnson from the Jets in exchange for Sweat. Johnson accumulated 13 sacks, 27 quarterback hits and 20 tackles for loss during his first four NFL seasons.

Johnson’s combination of length, power and run defense makes him a natural fit for Saleh, who previously coached him in New York.

Keldric Faulk is the long-term prize.

Tennessee selected Faulk 31st overall after taking Tate at No. 4. Faulk offers unusual size, length and power and should receive significant snaps immediately.

The rotation also includes:

• Femi Oladejo.
• Jaylen Harrell.
• Jacob Martin.
• Malik Herring.
• Truman Jones.
• David Ebuka Agoha.

Harrell provided several encouraging performances late in 2025 and could develop into a useful rotational rusher. Oladejo adds athletic upside.

The likely structure is:

• Johnson as the most complete starting edge defender.
• Faulk as a starter or high-volume rotational player.
• Harrell and Oladejo contributing in pressure packages.
• Franklin-Myers reducing outside in selected fronts.

This group is younger and considerably more promising than last season’s version. It may not immediately produce elite sack totals, but it should create more consistent pressure without requiring excessive blitzing.

Linebacker

Linebacker is undergoing a significant youth movement.

Cody Barton remains the veteran leader. His tackling and communication should help stabilize a group that contains several younger players.

Cedric Gray is expected to compete for an expanded role after gaining developmental experience.

The major addition is second-round rookie Anthony Hill Jr., selected 60th overall. Hill has the speed, explosiveness and pressure ability to become an immediate contributor.

The room also includes:

• James Williams Sr.
• Dorian Mausi.
• Mohamoud Diabate.
• Shad Banks Jr.
• Mani Powell.
• Sean Brown.

Hill could be used as:

• A traditional inside linebacker.
• A pressure player through interior gaps.
• A pursuit defender against outside runs.
• A matchup option against running backs.
• A movable piece in third-down packages.

The Barton-Hill pairing should eventually become the preferred alignment, but Hill will experience normal rookie challenges with play-action recognition and coverage spacing.

This position has greater speed and upside than last season, though it is not yet proven.

Cornerback

Cornerback was one of Tennessee’s primary free-agent priorities.

Alontae Taylor joins the Titans after beginning his career in New Orleans. He can play outside or in the slot and gives the defense an experienced, physical coverage option.

Cor’Dale Flott started 14 games for the Giants in 2025, recording 11 passes defensed, an interception and a forced fumble.

The remaining competition includes:

• Marcus Harris.
• Joshua Williams.
• Micah Robinson.
• Keydrain Calligan.
• Jeadyn Lukus.
• Latrell McCutchin Sr.
• Jalen McMurray.

Taylor and Flott should begin as the leading starters, with Harris and Williams competing for outside and nickel responsibilities.

The unit has more depth but lacks an established shutdown corner. Saleh’s system should protect the group through zone structure and pass-rush pressure, but opponents will still test Tennessee aggressively on third down.

The secondary’s performance will depend heavily on whether Johnson, Faulk and Simmons shorten the amount of time the corners must cover.

Safety

Amani Hooker remains the most established player in the secondary.

Hooker’s intelligence, tackling and versatility allow him to play deep, rotate toward the box or match selected tight ends and slot receivers.

Kevin Winston Jr. is expected to compete for a major role in his second season. His size and movement ability give Tennessee another potentially versatile starter.

The Titans added Tony Adams, who brings starting experience and further coverage flexibility.

The room also includes:

• Kendell Brooks.
• Erick Hallett II.
• Sanoussi Kane.
• Jerrick Reed II.
• Bishop Fitzgerald.

Hooker began training camp on the PUP list, making his recovery an important early storyline.

The likely long-term pairing is Hooker and Winston, with Adams functioning as the experienced third safety. Saleh and Bradley should use three-safety packages in obvious passing situations and against offenses with athletic tight ends.

Safety has adequate depth, but the defense needs Hooker healthy because he is the group’s most dependable communicator.

Special teams

Tennessee made a major change at punter by signing Tommy Townsend.

Townsend spent the previous two seasons with Houston after beginning his career in Kansas City. He brings postseason experience, a strong leg and reliable holding ability.

Kicker remains less certain. Joey Slye handled the role during 2025 and demonstrated significant range, including field goals from 50 and 58 yards late in the season.

Chimere Dike should remain one of the leading return candidates after flashing explosiveness during his rookie season. Wan’Dale Robinson, Nick Singleton and several reserve defensive backs may also receive opportunities.

John Fassel takes over as assistant head coach and special-teams coordinator. His units have typically emphasized aggressive returns, disguise and field-position value.

The punting operation should improve. Kicking consistency and coverage depth remain the larger questions.

Most important offseason additions

• HC Robert Saleh: New defensive identity and organizational leadership.
• OC Brian Daboll: Responsible for accelerating Cam Ward’s development.
• WR Wan’Dale Robinson: Proven high-volume slot receiver.
• WR Carnell Tate: Fourth-overall pick and potential long-term No. 1 target.
• EDGE Jermaine Johnson II: Established starting pass rusher.
• EDGE Keldric Faulk: First-round power rusher with significant upside.
• LB Anthony Hill Jr.: Athletic second-round linebacker.
• DL John Franklin-Myers: Versatile front-four defender.
• DL Solomon Thomas: Experienced interior penetrator.
• CB Alontae Taylor: Starting-caliber outside and nickel corner.
• CB Cor’Dale Flott: Experienced young starting candidate.
• TE Daniel Bellinger: Balanced starting tight-end option.
• P Tommy Townsend: Proven veteran punter.

Most important departures and changes

• HC Brian Callahan: Replaced by Robert Saleh.
• NT T’Vondre Sweat: Traded to the Jets for Jermaine Johnson II.
• Several veteran receivers and tight ends: Replaced during a substantial skill-position overhaul.
• Previous defensive role players: Reduced or replaced as Tennessee became younger and faster.
• Multiple coaching assistants and coordinators: Replaced as the franchise installed new offensive, defensive and special-teams systems.

Sweat is the most consequential player departure because he provided unusual interior size. Tennessee is betting that Johnson’s edge-rush value is more important to the overall defense.

Draft-class outlook

Tennessee selected eight players:

Round	Player	Position	Projected early role
1	Carnell Tate	Wide receiver	Immediate starter or high-volume receiver
1	Keldric Faulk	Edge	Starting and major pass-rush rotation
2	Anthony Hill Jr.	Linebacker	Immediate defensive packages and starting competition
5	Fernando Carmona Jr.	Guard	Interior-line competition
5	Nick Singleton	Running back	Rotational runner and receiving option
6	Jackie Marshall	Defensive tackle	Interior depth
6	Pat Coogan	Center	Starting-center competition
7	Jaren Kanak	Tight end	Special teams and developmental offense

Tate is the most important player in the class because Ward needs a long-term top receiver. He does not have to lead the team in targets immediately, but he should become a major part of the offense during his rookie season.

Faulk has an equally clear opportunity. Tennessee needs another edge defender capable of drawing protection away from Johnson and Simmons.

Hill could become a starting linebacker quickly, while Coogan has a legitimate chance to win the center job because the position lacks an established incumbent.

Singleton may become one of the class’s best values if he develops into Pollard’s eventual successor.

Schedule assessment

Tennessee’s schedule offers early opportunities but becomes much more difficult on the road.

The Titans open at home against the Jets and Philadelphia before traveling to face the Giants. Their full opponent list includes the AFC North and NFC East, along with six AFC South games and additional matchups against Las Vegas and Detroit.

The road schedule is especially demanding:

• Baltimore.
• Cincinnati.
• Dallas.
• Detroit.
• Houston.
• Jacksonville.
• Indianapolis.
• Las Vegas.
• the New York Giants.

Tennessee plays six total games against four teams that reached the previous postseason.

The primary scheduling challenges are:

• Facing Philadelphia in Week 2.
• Multiple road games against high-level AFC North teams.
• Trips to Dallas and Detroit.
• Six divisional games against Houston, Jacksonville and Indianapolis.
• Several opponents with elite defensive fronts capable of testing the offensive line.

The schedule also contains winnable games against the Jets, Giants, Browns and Raiders. Tennessee’s improvement should be visible if it converts more of those manageable matchups into victories.

The Titans are unlikely to win the division, but they can remain competitive longer than they did in 2025.

Final prediction

Projected record: 6-11

Projected AFC South finish: Fourth place

Houston remains the division’s most complete team. Jacksonville possesses greater offensive continuity and recent success, while Indianapolis has a stronger established running game and several more proven veterans.

Tennessee has the division’s youngest quarterback and is installing three new systems under a first-year coaching staff.

The Titans’ realistic range is approximately 4-13 to 8-9.

The upper end becomes attainable if:

• Ward takes a substantial second-year step.
• Tate becomes an immediate impact receiver.
• Robinson gives the offense dependable third-down production.
• The offensive line becomes at least league average.
• Johnson and Faulk improve the pass rush.
• Simmons remains healthy.
• Hill contributes immediately.
• Taylor and Flott stabilize the secondary.

The lower end becomes possible if Ward continues taking too many sacks, Latham misses significant time or the offensive line never establishes a dependable center.

Postseason probabilities

Outcome	Estimated probability
Make the playoffs	15%
Win the AFC South	6%
Earn a top-two AFC seed	Below 1%
Win first playoff game	27% if participating
Win divisional round	11% if participating
Win AFC Championship Game	4% if participating
Win Super Bowl LXI	2% if participating
Overall probability of winning Super Bowl LXI	Below 1%

These are analytical preseason estimates rather than sportsbook odds.

Most likely postseason result

The most likely outcome is an improved but losing season that establishes a clearer long-term direction.

Tennessee is unlikely to qualify for the playoffs because the AFC contains too many established contenders and the Titans remain uncertain along the offensive line and throughout the secondary.

A surprise wild-card path exists if Ward develops quickly and Saleh immediately raises the defense into the league’s upper half. Tennessee would also need several AFC contenders to underperform.

If the Titans unexpectedly qualify, they would almost certainly enter as a low wild-card seed. Ward’s arm talent and the Simmons-Johnson-Faulk front could make them dangerous in one game, but a deep run would be highly improbable.

Overall verdict

The Titans remain in a rebuild, but the structure now makes more sense.

Their greatest strengths are:

• Cam Ward’s arm talent and developmental upside.
• Brian Daboll’s history of quarterback development.
• A much deeper receiving corps.
• Carnell Tate’s potential as a long-term No. 1 receiver.
• Wan’Dale Robinson’s reliable underneath production.
• A deep running-back room.
• Jeffery Simmons’ interior dominance.
• Jermaine Johnson II and Keldric Faulk on the edge.
• Anthony Hill Jr.’s athletic upside.
• Greater depth at cornerback and safety.
• A proven defensive head coach.

The principal risks are:

• Ward’s inconsistency and tendency to hold the ball.
• An unsettled center position.
• JC Latham beginning camp on PUP.
• Limited proven offensive-line depth.
• Heavy reliance on rookie playmakers.
• No established elite tight end.
• Losing Sweat’s size against the run.
• Limited proven pass-rush production beyond Johnson.
• No shutdown corner.
• A demanding road schedule.
• Three new coaching systems.
• Competing in an AFC with numerous established playoff teams.

Final forecast: 6-11, fourth in the AFC South and outside the playoffs.

Tennessee should be more competitive, more explosive and better coached than it was during its 3-14 season. The most important result is not whether the Titans reach the postseason. It is whether Ward establishes himself as a legitimate franchise quarterback and whether Tate, Faulk, Hill, Skoronski and Simmons become the core of a team capable of contending in 2027 and beyond.