NASHVILLE, Tenn. — Coming off consecutive 3-14 seasons, the Tennessee Titans have signaled a modern era – in more ways than one. The franchise unveiled a refreshed brand identity on Thursday, revealing new logos and uniforms. Simultaneously, the Titans are undertaking a significant roster overhaul in the second offseason under General Manager Mike Borgonzi.
Tennessee has emerged as one of the NFL’s biggest spenders in free agency, committing nearly $270 million to player acquisitions since the period began a week ago. Through the first six days, only the Las Vegas Raiders ($281 million) have invested more in free agents, according to ESPN.
Key additions include defensive lineman John Franklin-Myers ($63 million), wide receiver Wan’Dale Robinson (over $70 million) and cornerback Alontae Taylor ($60 million), each addressing significant needs on the roster.
While these additions look promising on paper, success isn’t guaranteed. A look back at the Titans’ spending spree before the 2024 season – totaling $228 million – serves as a cautionary tale.
In 2024, Tennessee signed free agent center Lloyd Cushenberry III to a four-year, $50 million contract and wide receiver Calvin Ridley to a four-year, $92 million deal. The Titans also invested in free agents Chidobe Awuzie, Jamal Adams, and Quandre Diggs to bolster the secondary, along with inside linebacker Kenneth Murray Jr. They also acquired cornerback L’Jarius Sneed via trade and extended his contract.
Awuzie, Adams, and Murray didn’t complete a second season with the Titans. Two years later, Ridley is the only remaining player from that free agent class, having agreed to a contract restructuring on Saturday that will keep him with the franchise through the 2026 season.
The Titans released Cushenberry in February with a failed physical designation, while Sneed was cut last week after just 12 games over two seasons.
Over the last 10 seasons, five of the teams that spent the most in free agency went on to make the playoffs that same year. Only three of the biggest-spending teams reached their conference championship game. Those teams include the 2017 Jacksonville Jaguars, the 2019 Green Bay Packers, and the 2025 New England Patriots.
Seven of the 15 new players acquired by the Patriots had prior connections to the coaching staff of Mike Vrabel, who took the helm last season. five of them had previously played for the Titans. New England’s $283 million investment in free agency led the NFL, resulting in the Patriots being the only team to reach the Super Bowl after spending the most money in free agency.
Tennessee hasn’t reached the playoffs since 2021. The hope is that this year’s group will have a greater impact on turning around the franchise’s fortunes. General Manager Mike Borgonzi and new Titans head coach Robert Saleh are employing a similar approach to what the Patriots utilized last year.
“I feel it’s important to some extent, but it’s not the only thing that matters,” Saleh said when asked about familiarity with free agents during last month’s Combine. “Notice relationships that were forged during the draft process, through the scouting process. There are definitely relationships that have been built just over time in the NFL. Is it the only thing that matters? No.”
As of last weekend, 11 of the 14 free agent additions made by Tennessee had previously been connected to Borgonzi, Saleh, or offensive coordinator Brian Daboll at earlier stages in their careers.
Tennessee acquired defensive tackle Solomon Thomas from the Dallas Cowboys in exchange for a seventh-round pick in the 2026 draft. Saleh was the defensive coordinator for the San Francisco 49ers when Thomas was selected with the third overall pick in 2017.
The Titans are confident that Saleh can restore the team’s culture in a similar way to how Vrabel did with New England – going from a 3-14 record in 2024 to 14-3.
“We wanted a leader for this football team who was going to be able to build a winning culture and connect with the entire organization,” Borgonzi stated during Saleh’s introductory press conference in January. “A leader with a clear vision, plan, and process for this team. That leader, for us, was Robert Saleh.”
Tennessee is pleased with the direction of its roster, but it’s clear there’s still perform to be done. The Titans will continue to add lower-profile free agents – and can always explore trades – as they complete the roster. They will then turn their attention to the draft, where they hold nine selections, including the fourth overall pick.
The Titans will open the 2026 regular season at home against an opponent yet to be determined. The full NFL schedule is expected to be released in May. For now, the focus remains on building through the draft and continuing to integrate the influx of new talent.
