The Tennessee Titans will head into training camp with a major roster battle at right guard. Last season's starter was Kevin Zeitler, who the Titans don't appear to possess interest in re-signing (he's still available in free agency). Instead, the competition will come down to sophomore Jackson Slater and veteran addition Cordell Volson.
Neither player is a huge investment, but Slater possesses the benefit of being a Mike Borgonzi draft pick. Earlier this offseason during OTAs, head coach Robert Saleh confirmed Slater was competing for the right guard job. With minicamp deciding nothing, he'll enter training camp in the same battle with Volson.
It's impossible to assess offensive line play throughout OTAs and minicamp due to physical contact not being permitted. Volson is still competing and offers a wealth of experience, possibly giving him an advantage. Slater must use training camp as an opportunity to separate from Volson.
Jackson Slater must use Titans training camp as springboard to starting job
Slater was selected by Borgonzi with the 167th pick in the 2025 NFL Draft. The former Sacramento State standout essentially spent his entire rookie season redshirting and preparing for the future. Slater did play a considerable amount of snaps in a meaningless Week 18 finale, putting forth a showing that had Titans fans looking forward to his sophomore season.
Meanwhile, Volson was signed to a one-year contract in free agency worth a semi-notable $3.2 million. He's a 48-game career NFL starter who may be better equipped and familiar with the structure of an offseason. Both Slater and Volson received plenty of opportunities at OTAs and minicamp to prove they belong with the first-team offense.
Rookie Fernando Carmona isn't expected to factor into the position battle at all. Other guards like Garrett Dellinger and Rasheed Miller are realistically competing for practice squad spots. It'll come down to Slater and Volson at training camp. Slater is everyone's hopeful choice, but Volson remains firmly in the mix.
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