The first wave of NFL free agency is officially in the books. Unsurprisingly, the Tennessee Titans were incredibly active. General manager Mike Borgonzi has signed more than 12 players in an aggressive effort to transform a roster that has endured back-to-back 3-14 seasons.
The Titans acquired talent in areas of need. They were super aggressive at cornerback, adding three potential starters via free agency in Alontae Taylor, Cor'Dale Flott, and Joshua Williams. Other big-time additions include Wan'Dale Robinson and John Franklin-Myers.
It's early in the offseason, but who are the biggest winners and losers for the Titans after the first wave of free agency?
Winners and losers for the Titans after the opening week of free agency
Winner: Brian Daboll
The Titans made four notable signings on offense. All four of them have connections to new offensive coordinator Brian Daboll. Mitchell Trubisky will be the backup quarterback. Robinson will be a focal point at wide receiver. Daniel Bellinger is the No. 2 tight end. Austin Schlottmann may be the favorite to win the center job.
That'll be helpful as Daboll spends the offseason implementing his offense. All of the arrivals will be familiar with the playbook, and they'll help their teammates acclimate. It's safe to assume Daboll held significant influence over Borgonzi's movements on offense.
Winner: Robert Saleh
It was similar for new head coach Robert Saleh on defense. Six of Tennessee's nine notable acquisitions on the defensive side of the ball have previously been coached by Saleh. That includes Jermaine Johnson II and Solomon Thomas, who arrived via trade.
Franklin-Myers was the big offseason get here, and he's essentially played for every defensive staffer he'll interact with. Tennessee's new head coach wielded significant influence over his specialised unit. Borgonzi allowed Saleh to build the defense in his vision.
Loser: Cam Ward
Have the Titans done enough to invest in Cam Ward's development? Robinson was a big-money addition at wide receiver, and keeping Calvin Ridley raises the floor, but they still lack a clear go-to No. 1 at the position. Furthermore, the interior offensive line has gotten worse.
Cutting Lloyd Cushenberry in favor of Schlottmann feels like a step backwards. Right guard is currently a big-time hole, with last year's starter Kevin Zeitler still available in free agency. Nothing has been done at running back, either. Luckily, the offseason is longer than free agency's first wave, and significant resources are coming via the 2026 NFL Draft.
Winner: Gunnar Helm
The Titans drafted Gunnar Helm last offseason to eventually be the No. 1 option at the position. His time is now. The Titans moved on from Chig Okonkwo, who signed with the Washington Commanders in free agency.
Bellinger was added to play the versatile in-line blocking role. Helm is being counted on to take over from Okonkwo as the primary pass catcher. The former Texas Longhorns standout could be on the brink of a big sophomore season.
Loser: Femi Oladejo
Including their trade for Johnson, the Titans have acquired three EDGE rushers this offseason (Jacob Martin, Malik Herring). Four if you include Franklin-Myers taking the occasional outside snap. What does that say about sophomore defensive end Femi Oladejo?
In fairness, Herring and Martin are hardly household names. As currently constructed, Oladejo will possess opportunities to play himself into a role. Oladejo will have to earn reps though, as there'll be no shortage of competition for snaps.
Winner: Jeffery Simmons
Superstar defensive tackle Jeffery Simmons had an All-Pro season in 2025. Simmons deserves more help on the defensive line. Borgonzi granted his wish by signing Franklin-Myers.
It's been a productive offseason for Simmons. Saleh was his preferred choice as head coach. Replacing T'Vondre Sweat with Franklin-Myers provides Simmons with a proper pass-rushing partner to defend inside with. The Titans surrounded their star playmaker with talent.
Loser: Marcus Harris
Marcus Harris entered free agency as the top cornerback on the Titans' roster. That was obviously an untenable situation, given his lack of experience as a 2025 rookie who played via small sample sizes. Well, Harris is seemingly back to being No. 4 on the depth chart after free agency's opening wave.
Flott, Taylor, and Williams all project as potential starters. Perhaps Harris will be the starting nickel, but there's competition for those reps, too. Harris flashed promise as a late-round rookie, but he'll have to earn his keep in a totally revamped position room.