NFL
Season Outlook:
It might be hard to find optimism after a second consecutive 3-14 season. Six games into the mess that was 2025, head coach Brian Callahan was fired. Robert Saleh takes over this reclamation project with Brian Daboll overseeing the offense. There is one simple goal that they hope leads to success: give quarterback Cam Ward the structure he needs.
What's Changed:
Beyond Saleh and Daboll, the Titans are looking to build by any means possible. They selected wide receiver Carnell Tate with the fourth overall pick and edge rusher Keldric Faulk at No. 31. Tennessee also sent defensive tackle T'Vondre Sweat to the Jets in exchange for defensive lineman Jermaine Johnson, whom Saleh drafted with New York back in 2022. In free agency, they added more strength to the defensive front with John Franklin-Myers and added depth to the offense with receiver Wan’Dale Robinson and running back Michael Carter.
Bigger Role & Sophomore Breakout:
Safety Kevin Winston was called on often last year thanks to injuries and player turnover. He appeared in 10 games and recorded 34 tackles, one sack, and two passes defensed. The Titans secondary will look very different in 2026 save for Amani Hooker. Winston will need to prove himself as an everyday starter. Receiver Elic Ayomanor caught 41 passes for 515 yards and four touchdowns as a rookie, getting better as the year went on. Another offseason with Ward plus a new system could turn him into an every-down threat.
Key Question:
Can Cam Ward make the second-year leap? He was put in a terrible spot from the jump: bad coaching and subpar players around him. Now he’s got new voices, an offensive coordinator that nurtured Josh Allen, and talent on both sides that could give him a chance to thrive. Plus, his rookie season showed plenty of what made him the No. 1 overall pick: 3,169 passing yards and 15 touchdowns against seven interceptions.
Prediction:
This is a step forward for the Titans. The record may not show it completely, but Tennessee goes 7-10 in Saleh’s first season. The effects of having a former defensive coordinator are apparent while Ward makes a jump in his second year that gives reason for optimism going forward.
X-Factor:
Robinson could end up being Ward’s most useful option in the Titans air attack. The former Giant creates separation, forces missed tackles, and is adept at hauling in third-down receptions – something the Tennessee offense lacked last season. Having played under Daboll in New York, he might have found the perfect system to thrive.
Final Scorecard:
- Offense: 6
- Defense: 7
- Coaching: 7
- X-Factor Upside: 6
- Schedule Strength: 7