The Tennessee Titans made a lot of questionable moves last offseason, but one that paid undeniable dividends was signing running back Tony Pollard to a three-year contract worth $21.75 million. Brian Callahan's offense ended up being more reliant on Pollard than initially planned. With Will Levis and the passing game struggling mightily, Tennessee understandably took a run-first approach.
Despite nursing a late-season injury that impacted his practice availability and workload, Pollard appeared in 16 of 17 contests. The former Memphis standout rushed for 1,079 yards and five touchdowns. Pollard finished eighth in the league in rushing attempts with 260. He totaled 701 snaps, accounting for nearly 65 percent of snaps on offense.
That workload wore on Pollard as the season progressed forward. Pollard averaged 2.8-or-fewer yards per carry in three of his final seven appearances. It's precisely why Callahan is hoping to lessen his involvement in 2025.
Brian Callahan, Titans want to lessen Tony Pollard's workload in 2025
"In a perfect world, it's a healthier division of labor," Callahan told local media earlier this week about the 2025 backfield. "I think he [Pollard] ended up carrying the ball a lot. He was our most productive running back."
Callahan indicates the Titans are hoping to receive more from third-year back Tyjae Spears this coming campaign. Spears burst onto the scene as a rookie playmaker in 2023, recording 838 all-purpose yards. The former Tulane standout took a step backwards in 2024, as injury limited his production to 536 yards as a runner and pass catcher.
The Titans are building the offense around No. 1 overall quarterback Cam Ward. As much as Ward would love to operate a pass-happy offense, a productive rushing attack is often a young QB's best friend to keep defenses honest. Pollard staying healthy and effective is key to Tennessee's offensive success in 2025. Involving Spears more frequently could help all parties involved achieve that.
Rookie running back Kalel Mullings adds another layer of intrigue to a potential division of labor. It's rare for a sixth-round running back to be so impactful, but Mullings gives the Titans an intriguing change-of-pace option in the backfield. The 6-foot-1, 226 pound bruiser runs the football with a punishing between-the-tackles style Pollard and Spears can't fully replicate.
Pollard was outstanding for the Titans throughout the 2024 campaign. A late-season injury hampered his productivity. If the Titans want Pollard healthy and available throughout the long haul of a 17-game season, they'll need to have a division of labor plan that includes Spears and Mullings.
Callahan knows that.