They say every cloud has a silver lining-- if you look hard enough. For Tennesse Titans fans in the throes of a second straight season which could end with the worst win-loss record in the league, it may require some very hard looking. However, if the team continues on its current trajectory, it could result in the pieces necessary to rebuild the roster with foundational players and form a new core in Nashville.
But for that to occur, the front office will need to play things patiently and shrewdly, especially if they find themselves once again atop the draft board. Last year, the decision was obvious. The team had a need at the most important position in major sports, and only one young quarterback had established himself as worthy of being taken with the top choice.
Cam Ward may have crossed "quarterback" off the front office's shopping list, but the rest of the cupboard is still largely bare. With several needs throughout the roster and a new head coach who will want players to fit into his system, the front office will be wise to acquire as many picks as possible over the next couple of years. Fortunately, there are other teams out there who still have a need under center, and they should be willing to pay a premium cost for the opportunity to pick first.
Titans could attract historic trade interest in the 2026 NFL Draft
The Most Likely Candidates
As the draft order currently stands, there are a few QB-needy teams that may not have to move up much to get to number one. According to Tankathon, these include:
- 3. Cleveland Browns
- 4. New Orleans Saints
- 5. New York Jets
- 6. Las Vegas Raiders
- 8. Los Angeles Rams (via Atlanta Falcons)
Depending on how Tyler Shough performs for the balance of this season, the Saints may or may not be willing to pay the undoubtedly steep price required to move up for a quarterback. The Jets and Raiders, on the other hand, most certainly should be. And of course, the Browns are the Browns.
The Rams may be the most interesting team in this group because they have an elite quarterback already. However, Matthew Stafford is nearing the end of his career, and their flirtation with moving on last season was highly publicized. It is also rare that Sean McVay's team finds itself with this high of a draft spot (thank you, Atlanta), so there may be no better time to be aggressive and grab their quarterback of the future.
From the Titans' perspective, all of these would be viable options that would likely net sizeable returns, while still allowing them to draft a top-10 prospect in 2026.
The "Worth Taking the Call" Candidates
Other teams may not have the most obvious or immediate need at quarterback but still might be willing to move up for the right guy. These include:
- 10. Arizona Cardinals
- 11. Miami Dolphins
- 18. Detroit Lions
- 20. Tampa Bay Buccaneers
- 21. Pittsburgh Steelers
In this group, the Steelers are the team most likely to have QB at or near the top of their list of needs, but (as always), they are currently slated to pick well outside of the range for top prospects. Without a very un-Tomlin-like descent into under .500 territory the rest of the season, a move that far may not be feasible. On the other hand, both the Cardinals and Dolphins are set to earn top-11 picks, and both have displayed frustration and stagnation with their current signal callers.
Although both the Lions and Bucs have proven, high-caliber starters, it is not impossible that either team could begin considering the future early. Baker Mayfield (as of now) is without a contract beyond this season, and it was not that long ago that Jared Goff was considered a place-holder.
Who will it be?
Although no clear-cut number one QB has emerged in the college ranks just yet-- make no mistake-- one will by April. Whether it is Fernando Mendoza, Ty Simpson, Dante Moore, or someone else, one or more young QB(s) will make an impressive late-season run, wow scouts at the combine, and/or fly up draft boards following interviews. The player is not our issue; the price tag for the right to draft him is.
While Reuben Bain, Arvell Reese, and others will certainly be appealing to Titans fans and decision-makers, it would be a mistake to fall in love with one prospect, choose him with the number one pick, and pass on the opportunity to acquire a boat-load of picks and prospects with high potential. After all, if done properly, the team could trade down and still acquire the elite prospect they covet. And Titans fans certainly do not want a Travon Walker situation if they hope to rebuild this franchise to respectability.