When Jeremiyah Love went at No. 3 overall in the 2026 NFL Draft, many expected the Tennessee Titans to select linebacker Arvell Reese with the fourth pick, the consensus best player available. Instead, the Titans pulled the first mini-surprise of the draft by selecting wide receiver Carnell Tate. With that one decision, Borgonzi sent a loud message about his intentions.
Choosing Tate was all about investing in the development of franchise quarterback Cam Ward. The No. 1 overall pick in the 2025 NFL Draft, Ward suffered from a lack of NFL-level talent around him during his rookie season. Tate, and other moves made this offseason, should immediately address that.
Borgonzi clearly understands that his job is directly tied to Ward's development at quarterback. Surrounding Ward with talent to aid his ability to reach his maximum potential was the job description this offseason. Borgonzi proved he's willing to do that.
Titans GM Mike Borgonzi knows it's all about Cam Ward
Tate projects as the Titans' No. 1 receiver this offseason. In less than 18 months on the job, Borgonzi has totally revamped the Titans' receiving corps around Ward. He drafted Chimere Dike and Elic Ayomanor last offseason, and signed Wan'Dale Robinson to an aggressive $70 million contract in free agency.
The only real holdover from the previous regime is Calvin Ridley, who had to restructure his contract to avoid being released by Borgonzi. The Titans should enter the season with five legitimate options at wide receiver. The combination of Tate, Robinson, Ridley, Dike, and Ayomanor appears to be one of the better receiving corps in franchise history.
Borgonzi took a similar approach to hiring his first coaching staff. Just because Robert Saleh is a defensive-minded leader doesn't mean he wasn't a terrific choice for Ward's development. Not to mention Saleh's ability to bring Brian Daboll as his offensive coordinator. Daboll has an impressive history of working with young quarterbacks that should benefit Ward.
Borgonzi believes in Ward's ability to develop into a top-five quarterback in the NFL. The moves he's made to surround his franchise signal caller with talent proves that sentiment. Borgonzi has been consistent in his efforts to provide Ward with a rich environment.
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