The Tennessee Titans made sweeping changes at the tight end position this offseason. Sophomore Gunnar Helm returns as a promoted starter after the team let Chig Okonkwo get away in free agency. Veteran Daniel Bellinger signed a lucrative contract to reunite with offensive coordinator Brian Daboll.
The Titans also signed Kylen Granson and drafted Jaren Kanak. With the three additions, Helm might be the only returning tight end on the 53-man roster. That gives the former Texans standout a leg up in competition for reps at the position.
Bellinger will play an underrated role in Daboll's offense, but Helm is the main attraction at tight end. After a stellar rookie campaign, the arrow is trending in the right direction. The league will learn Helm is a breakout star for the Titans.
Tennessee Titans TE Gunnar Helm is a potential breakout star
Helm registered 44 receptions for 357 yards and two touchdowns as a rookie. That was despite sharing reps with Okonkwo, and the Titans' passing attack ranking 30th in the league. Helm was the most efficient rookie tight end in the NFL, catching 81.5% of his 54 targets, per Pro Football Focus.
The Titans should expand Helm's usage under Daboll this season. He clearly possessed strong chemistry with rookie quarterback Cam Ward. With Okonkwo no longer in the way, Helm should be the primary pass-catching tight end in 2026.
Bellinger's familiarity with Daboll will undeniably help him play a significant role, but he could be tasked with doing the dirty blocking work as an effective in-line player. A four-year pro, Bellinger has never surpassed 286 receiving yards in a single season. That strongly indicates Helm will be on the receiving end of the majority of passing-down targets at the position.
The goal for Helm is to become an improved all-around playmaker. Developing into a more effective blocker would increase his snap counts. If Helm isn't a liability as a blocker, he could especially limit Bellinger's snaps in single-tight-end packages.
Mike Borgonzi's first draft class was a resounding success. Ward, Chimere Dike, Elic Ayomanor, and Helm appeared to be instant hits. Helm possesses every trait required to make a sophomore jump and establish himself as a keynote member of the offense.
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