The Tennessee Titans concluded their 2025 season with a Week 18 loss to the Jacksonville Jaguars. Starting quarterback Cam Ward suffered a shoulder injury the team is awaiting more information on. The Titans finished 3-14, matching their record from 2024.
It's safe to assume general manager Mike Borgonzi will oversee sweeping changes this offseason. The Titans' offseason will begin with hiring a new head coach. Borgonzi will spearhead the search for Brian Callahan's successor. A number of candidates are expected to be interviewed in the coming weeks.
Borgonzi will then shift attention to improving the roster. The Titans are slated to possess $100-plus million in cap space, according to Over The Cap. With sweeping changes expected, we've identified various Titans players who won't return to Tennessee for the 2026 campaign.
7 Titans players who definitely won't return for the 2026 season
L'Jarius Sneed, CB
From injuries to legal troubles, the L'Jarius Sneed trade has been a full-blown disaster for the Titans. Borgonzi inherited the mistake from Ran Carthon and will certainly move on from the previous regime's error. Releasing the oft-injured Sneed will save the Titans nearly $12 million in cap space, though an $8.1 million dead-money penalty is attached.
Calvin Ridley, WR
Calvin Ridley is tracking to be another expensive Carthon mistake Borgonzi is tasked with addressing. Inconsistent play was derailing his season even before he suffered a season-ending fibula injury in November. The Titans desperately need to find a real No. 1 wide receiver for Ward this offseason.
Will Levis, QB
What to do with Will Levis this coming offseason is often the forgotten storyline when discussing the months ahead. Levis opted to undergo season-ending shoulder surgery in July against the organization's initial recommendation. The rift is obvious, as the Titans essentially decided to move on from him the moment they drafted Ward.
Arden Key, EDGE
Veteran pass rusher Arden Key possesses an uneven relationship with this staff. Even though the majority of these coaches will soon be dismissed, Key's time in Tennessee is up. His three-year contract is slated to expire as the Titans prepare to revamp their edge-rushing group.
Tony Pollard, RB
Tony Pollard made the looming decision difficult with a late-season surge. The veteran ball-carrier surpassed 1,000 rushing yards for the fourth consecutive season, he's second in Tennessee. Still, releasing the aging Pollard would create $7.2 million in additional cap space. Borgonzi will probably look to get younger, cheaper, and faster at running back this offseason.
Kevin Zeitler, RG
Veteran right guard Kevin Zeitler is on an expiring one-year contract. It's hard to envision there being mutual interest in a reunion. Zeitler was a steady addition to an offensive line that didn't improve until much later in the season, and he arguably failed to elevate the group.
Van Jefferson, WR
Wide receiver Van Jefferson suffered a season-ending injury in Week 17. The Brentwood native was signed as insurance before the draft, but was quickly outperformed by rookies Elic Ayomanor and Chimere Dike. The Titans need to improve their pass-catching corps, so there's no need for Jefferson to be re-signed.