After a lengthy search, the Tennessee Titans are appointing Robert Saleh as their new head coach. He was a finalist along with Matt Nagy. After interviewing both candidates in person, Titans general manager Mike Borgonzi became convinced that Saleh was the appropriate hire.
The defensive-minded Saleh will lead a roster spearheaded by All-Pro Jeffery Simmons. Saleh earned the job partially due to the plan he presented to develop franchise quarterback Cam Ward, which should include an impressive offensive coordinator hire, according to SI's Albert Breer.
With Saleh's hire finalized, attention should swiftly shift to how he'll assist in rebuilding the roster around Ward and Simmons. Free agency should play a large role, given the Titans are equipped with more than $100 million in cap space. We've identified five pending unrestricted free agents Saleh could help the Titans target.
5 players with Robert Saleh connections the Tennessee Titans should pursue in NFL free agency
Breece Hall, RB
Improving a Titans rushing attack that finished 30th in yards will be an offseason priority for the next offensive coordinator. Supporting Ward by ensuring he can lean on an effective ground-and-pound approach is imperative. New York Jets running back Breece Hall is among the top pending free agents at his position. Saleh was Hall's head coach for two and a half seasons with the Jets.
Jauan Jennings, WR
Borgonzi must pursue a veteran wide receiver to join a young core that includes Elic Ayomanor and Chimere Dike. Very few proven wide receivers appear set to hit the free agency market. San Francisco 49ers wideout Jauan Jennings is among the top options. With Saleh on the staff this past year, Jennings posted a career-high nine receiving touchdowns for the 49ers.
Alijah Vera-Tucker, IOL
The Titans' offensive line closed the season in strong fashion after a lackluster start, but fortifying the unit is an offseason necessity. Veteran right guard Kevin Zeitler is a free agent and could opt to play elsewhere or retire. A like-for-like replacement would be Jets guard Alijah Vera-Tucker, who was the 14th overall pick in Saleh's debut season with the East Rutherford-based club.
John Franklin-Myers, DE
Simmons and T'Vondre Sweat ensure the Titans are stellar on the defensive line, but a pair of role players are currently set for free agency. If the Titans need to replace Sebastian Joseph-Day and/or James Lynch, a good option would be John Franklin-Myers. The veteran, versatile lineman is on an expiring contract with the Denver Broncos, but played for Saleh and the Jets for three seasons.
Brian Robinson Jr., RB
The Titans have Tony Pollard and Tyjae Spears under contract at running back. Pollard is a potential cap casualty. The Titans may also look to the 2026 NFL Draft to upgrade their backfield. Brian Robinson Jr. of the 49ers would be a low-cost power back in a committee approach.