Nearly every starting spot on the Tennessee Titans' roster was cemented before training camp, except for the right guard opening. Once free agency kicked off, GM Mike Borgonzi went out and signed veteran Cordell Volson to a one-year contract, while many fans looked to former 5th-round selection Jackson Slater as the obvious choice. The Titans also drafted Fernando Carmona in the fifth round of the 2026 NFL Draft.
The initial race was seemingly between Volson and Slater. However, Carmona impressed in the preseason opener against the 49ers and looks to be the heavy favorite after changes in the rotation at practice. Meanwhile, Volson continues to seriously disappoint, and his future as a Titan may already be in jeopardy.
Last Thursday, Volson was a liability in both the run game and in pass protection. He was getting bulldozed as a run blocker, resulting in TFLs for the 49ers, and was also responsible for multiple sacks on Will Levis in the second half. Whether it was a defensive tackle swiping past him right off the line or bull-rushing him back into the quarterback, Volson looked completely unreliable.
Cordell Volson may be playing his way off the Tennessee Titans' roster
It seems safe to say that Volson played his way out of a starting spot on Thursday, but he may have played his way out of a roster spot as well. Slater looked more reliable as a backup guard, and also has some center flexibility working in his favor. There's a real possibility that the Titans hold onto him for their interior depth, and choose to cut Volson before the regular season begins. (roster cutdown day is August 30th).
On top of Volson's performance, it didn't help his case that rookie Fernando Carmona looked miles ahead of him. Carmona seemed like a long shot to steal the starting job when he was drafted in April, but after the first preseason outing, he has emerged as the frontrunner. He even spoke at the podium following Wedneday's practice.
Volson will likely get a handful of reps throughout the rest of the preseason. If he continues to struggle against second and third string defenders, don't be surprised if he doesn't make the 53-man roster come August 30th.
Borgonzi has to make some difficult decisions across the interior.
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