The Tennessee Titans will have to make some difficult decisions this offseason. General manager Mike Borgonzi is tasked with continuing to rebuild the roster around franchise quarterback Cam Ward. Upgrading the offense is imperative to help ensure Ward reaches his performance ceiling as a sophomore in 2026.
One of the biggest disappointments on offense this season has been the lack of an effective run game. The Titans rank dead-last (No. 32) in rushing yards per game (77.5). It's gotten significantly worse in recent weeks, with Ward leading the Titans in rushing in back-to-back games despite failing to rush for 40 yards himself.
Lead back Tony Pollard has been totally ineffective. Call it a combination of play-calling, execution, an underperforming offensive line, and possibly Pollard himself having lost a step. With just six games remaining in the 2025 season, there's an excellent chance the veteran signal-caller is entering his final stretch in Nashville.
Titans RB Tony Pollard could be an offseason cap casualty
Among 33 running backs who have handled 50% of their team's rushing attempts this season, Pollard ranks 24th in yards (531), 27th in yards per attempt (3.7) and 24th in yards after contact per attempt (2.94), per Pro Football Focus. There's blame to go around. The Titans are second-worst in run-block-win-rate this season, according to ESPN Stats & Info.
Pollard has also lacked explosiveness and elusiveness. He's forcing roughly two missed tackles per contest and has just 14 rushing attempts that gained 10-plus yards. Pollard has looked like a 28-year-old back with an injury history who the Titans ran into the ground last season (301 touches).
Pollard is technically under contract through next season. The Titans could create more than $7 million in additional salary cap space by releasing the Memphis native, while absorbing just $2 million in dead money. Borgonzi is almost certain to prefer the savings as opposed to retaining an expensive, declining player at a non-premium position.
Releasing Pollard would create a sizable offseason need at running back. Tyjae Spears isn't a bellcow, so Borgonzi would have to find a Pollard replacement either during the NFL Draft or free agency. The Titans should also consider giving rookie running back Kalel Mullings an opportunity to play on offense before the 2025 season is over.
Pollard was the unsung hero of a terrible Titans offense throughout 2024, but both he and the supporting-cast surroundings have regressed in 2025. The Titans are likely considering going in a different direction at running back in 2026. Pollard is likely playing out his final moments in Nashville.