The Tennessee Titans were defeated 41-7 by the Jacksonville Jaguars in Sunday's Week 18 regular season finale. General manager Mike Borgonzi will now enter a critical offseason after finishing 3-14. Deciding what to do with a slew of pending unrestricted free agents is among the biggest decisions Borgonzi will oversee.
The Titans' most notable player on an expiring contract is arguably tight end Chig Okonkwo. Okonkwo concluded his fourth season in Tennessee by leading the offense in receptions (56) and receiving yards (560). His chemistry with rookie quarterback Cam Ward improved as the season progressed forward.
Okonkwo wasted no time creating speculation regarding his uncertain future. Shortly after the 2025 campaign concluded, Okonkwo took to social media to deliver a message to Titans fans. He sounds like a player who doesn't plan on returning to Tennessee in 2026.
Titans TE Chig Okonkwo thanks fans in potential goodbye message
"Thank you Tennessee for allowing me to live out my childhood dreams," Okonkwo began. "Playing in the NFL representing the Titans for the past four years has been an unbelievable privilege that I will never take for granted! Luv ya Nashville."
Thank you Tennessee for allowing me to live out my childhood dreams! Playing in the NFL representing the Titans for the past 4 years has been an unbelievable privilege that I will never take for granted! Thank you Lord for keeping me safe and allowing me to play every game these…
— Chigoziem Okonkwo (@ChigTweets) January 4, 2026
The market indicates Okonkwo will land a multi-year contract in free agency worth between $10 and $12 million per campaign. Cap space isn't an issue, as the Titans are projected to possess more than $100 million in financial flexibility. Whether or not Borgonzi is willing to meet Okonkwo's asking price is a different question altogether.
Borgonzi drafted rookie tight end Gunnar Helm last offseason. Helm enjoyed a promising rookie season and looks like a potential long-term contributor. How that impacts the Titans' opinion of Okonkwo's fit remains to be seen.
Okonkwo was a four-year standout throughout his rookie contract. The Titans seemingly never engaged in long-term contract discussions with him during the season. Perhaps the writing was already on the wall. Okonkwo's social media post could be interpreted as a parting message.