Tennessee Titans general manager Mike Borgonzi spent more than 15 seasons with the Kansas City Chiefs in various roles before taking the head job in Nashville. Unsurprisingly, Borgonzi has shown a willingness to sign free agents from his time in Kansas City. This offseason alone, the Titans have signed various ex Chiefs players, including cornerback Joshua Williams and punter Tommy Townsend.
Borgonzi may be eyeing another ex-Chiefs player he's familiar with, according to various reports. The Titans hosted veteran tight end Jody Fortson on a visit, Ian Rapoport said. Fortson did not play during the 2025 season after tearing his meniscus and ACL last year in a preseason game with Kansas City.
Fortson has now recovered and has seemingly begun his journey on the comeback trail. The Titans are kicking the tires on his health and availability to see if he'd be a sneaky-good addition to their roster. Borgonzi's familiarity with Fortson is undeniably playing a role.
Titans host comeback free-agent on a visit due to Mike Borgonzi ties
Fortson signed with the Chiefs as an undrafted free agent out of Valdosta State after the 2019 NFL Draft. Borgonzi was the Chiefs' director of football operations at the time. Such front-office assistant jobs often play a large role in recruiting undrafted free agents.
Fortson was an on-again, off-again member of the Chiefs' roster and practice squad for five seasons (2019-23), winning three Super Bowls. He appeared in 13 contests during the 2022 campaign, making nine receptions for 108 yards and two touchdowns. Fortson also caught two touchdowns in 2021 despite appearing in just two games.
Fortson then joined the Miami Dolphins in 2024, but failed to make their 53-man roster. He signed with the Chiefs' practice squad in October of 2024, quickly suffering his first string of injuries. The Titans' visit offered Fortson a lifeline to resume his NFL career.
The Titans appear pretty well settled at tight end. Gunnar Helm is the starter. Borgonzi signed Daniel Bellinger to a lucrative contract in free agency to replace the outgoing Chig Okonkwo. They've also added veteran Kylen Granson via free agency to compete with David Martin-Robinson for a roster spot. Fortson would be joining a crowded room if signed.