The Tennessee Titans have spent the early portion of free agency acquiring players that the new coaching staff is familiar with. Head coach Robert Saleh has especially been reshaping the defensive line to fit his vision. The Titans traded for EDGE Jermaine Johnson II, and also signed defensive tackle John Franklin-Myers, both of whom Saleh coached in New York.
Franklin-Myers is Jeffery Simmons' new running mate inside. The Titans needed a third interior defender after parting ways with T'Vondre Sweat in exchange for the aforementioned Johnson. General manager Mike Borgonzi made that much-needed move on Tuesday evening.
The Titans intend to sign defensive tackle Jordan Elliott to a two-year contract worth $8 million, according to Adam Schefter. Elliott spent the previous two seasons playing for the San Francisco 49ers. That means Saleh was his defensive coordinator last season.
Titans sign another defensive tackle at Robert Saleh's request
The Titans have now acquired three defensive lineman coached by Saleh in recent weeks. His fingerprints are all over the reimagining of the supporting cast around Simmons. Sebastian Joseph-Day and James Lynch are also free agents, and Elliott may be viewed as their replacement. Saleh and the coaching staff are hand-picking some of their preferred players.
Elliott earned 463 total snaps for Saleh's 49ers defense in 2025. The former Missouri standout registered 31 tackles, 15 pressures, one quarterback hit, and zero sacks. Elliott earned a pass-rushing grade of 59.7 from Pro Football Focus, to go with a disappointing run-stopping score of 47.0.
Saleh will be Tennessee's defensive play caller. One of his mentors, Gus Bradley, is his defensive coordinator. Together, they are implementing the system they know best. Acquiring players with previous experience in the scheme is a logical decision.
Elliott will play a rotational role behind Simmons and Franklin-Myers. Saleh will be incredibly comfortable placing him in the lineup when necessary. Based on the emerging pattern, that's clearly the motive behind this deal.