The Tennessee Titans have invested significant resources into the development of franchise quarterback Cam Ward this offseason. They signed wide receiver Wan'Dale Robinson to a $70 million contract and drafted Carnell Tate at No. 4 overall. If there's one area of the offense that's been more difficult to understand the plan, it's across the offensive line.
The Titans have not re-signed aging right guard Kevin Zeitler despite his stellar performance last season. Instead, they appear to be relying on inexperienced sophomore Jackson Slater to replace him. They also signed Cordell Volson to compete for the role after he missed the entire 2025 season with injury.
It's a similar situation at center. After releasing two-year starter Lloyd Cushenberry partially due to injuries, the Titans are betting on Austin Schlottmann's familiarity with new offensive line coach Carmen Bricillo to secure that position. The Titans are certainly taking some risks on the offensive line in what should be a telling year for Ward at quarterback.
Titans offseason decisions leading to high-stakes situation on the offensive line
Industry whispers indicated the Titans would have considered making a legitimate run at Buffalo Bills center Connor McGovern had he reached free agency. Instead, the Bills signed him to a surprising extension at the 11th hour. With Tyler Biadasz also coming off the market before the window even officially opened, the Titans pivoted to Schlottmann, a former undrafted free agent who has started 18 career games in seven seasons, including four starts for Bricillo's New York Giants last year.
Back to right guard, where the Titans drafted Slater in the sixth round (2025) to develop into an eventual starter. They essentially redshirted him as a rookie while working on his strength and anchor, a fairly common issue for a small-school rookie lineman. It looks like Slater is going to get his opportunity to establish himself as a long-term solution, but there's obvious risk with the unknown.
The Titans have several intriguing pieces on offense and a proven play-caller in Brian Daboll. Their upside might ultimately be decided by what Slater and Schlottmann give them as starting offensive lineman. The Titans put themselves in this position and are now left hoping for the best.
Add us as a preferred source on Google