As the Tennessee Titans transition into a new chapter under head coach Robert Saleh and offensive coordinator Brian Daboll, the 2026 offseason brings a familiar mid-February headache: what to do with a burgeoning star on an expiring contract.
And at the center of the storm sits Chig Okonkwo, the hyper-athletic tight end who has spent the last four years serving as the primary safety valve for a revolving door of signal-callers.
The Production Paradox
By all traditional metrics, Okonkwo has earned his keep. In 2025, he led the Titans in both receptions (56) and receiving yards (560). For a team that struggled to a 3-14 finish, Chig was a bright spot of consistency, developing a palpable chemistry with Cam Ward.
However, the "Tag or Trade" dilemma here is unique. Unlike the elite, Tier-1 tight ends, Okonkwo’s value is largely derived from his Yards After Catch (YAC) ability and his role as a "big slot" receiver.
The projected 2026 Tight End Franchise Tag is approximately $16.3M. For a player who scored only two touchdowns last season and has faced criticism regarding his in-line blocking, that's a steep price for a team that just drafted his potential replacement, Gunnar Helm, a year ago.
The Argument for the Tag
The Titans currently sit on a mountain of resources, boasting large pockets in cap space. In this context, the tag isn't about long-term affordability; it’s about protection.
With Brian Daboll’s offense relying heavily on versatile pass-catchers who can create mismatches (think Wan'Dale Robinson or Dalton Kincaid), losing Okonkwo for nothing would leave Ward without one of his most trusted targets while learning a new offense. Tagging Okonkwo ensures Ward, now moving into year two, has a familiar face in the huddle while the front office tries to negotiate a more team-friendly three-year deal in the $10–$12M AAV (per year) range.
The Trade (or Walk) Temptation
The "Trade" part of the dilemma is the most realistic path if a long-term deal isn't reached. Rumors are already swirling that the Titans are eyeing veteran free agents like David Njoku to provide a more complete "Y" tight end profile. If GM Mike Borgonzi feels that Helm is ready for a breakout sophomore campaign, tagging and trading Okonkwo to a contender could net a middle-round pick -- assets the rebuilding roster desperately needs.
While the Titans have the money to tag him, they likely won't. Expect Tennessee to pass on the $16M tag, opting instead to let Okonkwo test a market that may value his unique skill set more than a team currently focused on rebuilding its fundamental identity from the ground up.