The Tennessee Titans will enter training camp in late July with just one starting position up for grabs. There will be a competition for the right guard role between free-agent signing Cordell Volson and sophomore Jackson Slater. In Volson, the Titans are placing trust in a fragile veteran with everything to prove.
The Titans' 2025 starter at the position was Kevin Zeitler. A consistent veteran, for whatever reason, he was not re-signed this offseason (and still remains available in free agency). Instead of bringing Zeitler back, the Titans are taking their chances with Slater and Volson.
It would be terrific for the long-term outlook of right guard if Slater won the competition. Some sources we've polled expect Volson to come out victorious due to his experience and status as a free-agent signing. Naming Volson the starter would come with significant risk.
Titans RG Cordell Volson has so much to prove heading into training camp
General manager Mike Borgonzi drafted Slater as a developmental prospect in the fifth round of the 2025 NFL Draft. A small-schooler from Sacramento State, he essentially spent his entire rookie season growing behind the scenes, minus some playing time in Week 18. Volson brings significantly more experience to the table.
The Cincinnati Bengals selected Volson in the fourth round of the 2022 draft and immediately made him a starter. The former North Dakota State standout started 48 games from 2022-24. Volson then missed the entire 2025 season after undergoing season-ending right shoulder surgery in August.
Volson will head into training camp having not played football in over a year. His results as a Bengals starter were also extremely lackluster. Volson's three career pass-blocking grades according to Pro Football Focus have been 52.7, 46.7 and 48.8.
Perhaps working with Titans offensive line coach Carmen Bricillo will reinvigorate Volson. The Bengals haven't exactly been known for developing offensive linemen throughout the Joe Burrow tenure. If Volson beats Slater for the starting job, the Titans are hoping for a big bounce-back year.
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