Tennessee Titans tight end Chig Okonkwo is a free agent. Okonkwo is largely expected to sign elsewhere during the legal tampering period. If that wasn't your expectation, a reported move made by general manager Mike Borgonzi just sealed it.
The Titans intend to sign veteran tight end Daniel Bellinger, according to various national reports. The move, once official, will reunite Bellinger with new Titans offensive coordinator Brian Daboll. It also essentially guarantees Okonkwo is signing elsewhere.
Report: Titans to sign TE Daniel Bellinger, admitting defeat on Chig Okonkwo
Sources: The #Titans are signing former #Giants TE Daniel Bellinger.
— Jordan Schultz (@Schultz_Report) March 9, 2026
The move reunites him with OC Brian Daboll. pic.twitter.com/tTXXxaFUJ6
The Titans have reportedly made two signings in free agency. Both of them possess ties to Daboll. Earlier on Monday, the Titans allegedly agreed to terms with veteran backup quarterback Mitch Trubisky.
Bellinger was drafted by the Giants during the fourth round of the 2022 NFL Draft. Daboll was their head coach. Bellinger has essentially played his entire career under Coach Daboll's tutelage, leading up to his 2025 midseason dismissal.
Bellinger is more of an in-line blocking tight end. The Titans had reportedly been in the market for that type of selfless player at the position. The expectation is sophomore tight end Gunnar Helm will take over the primary pass catching role in 2026. Bellinger should provide the Titans' offense with a major upgrade as a blocker, considering Okonkwo consistently struggled in that area.
Bellinger has never recorded more than 286 receiving yards in a single season. The former San Diego State standout will spend the majority of his reps helping the offensive line protect franchise quarterback Cam Ward. Bellinger will occasionally have opportunities to impact the passing game.
Okonkwo was a big-time receiving weapon for the Titans. Borgonzi's decision to sign Bellinger signals the intention to move on from Okonkwo. The Titans are obviously expecting Helm to take a sizable step forward, while also relying on Bellinger's familiarity in Daboll's offense.