2025 No. 1 pick Cam Ward showed plenty of promise as a rookie for the Tennessee Titans, but it was also clear that he has room to grow, and needs help. Tennessee did it’s part this offseason to provide Ward with the necessary help to have a healthy environment to develop in.
The Titans have a new coaching staff, and they also got Ward some new weapons to go to work with. While there’s a ton of excitement about the addition of wide receivers Carnell Tate and Wan’Dale Robinson, Tennessee has a returning pass catcher who shouldn’t be overlooked.
That would be tight end Gunnar Helm, and he was recently highlighted by ESPN analyst Ben Solak as a breakout candidate for the 2026 season.
Gunnar Helm predicted to have breakout season in 2026 with Titans
Solak didn’t include rookies in these predictions, so that removed Tate as an option for Tennessee. However, that doesn’t takeaway how much of a fan he is of Helm. The analyst explained that the tight end has all the necessary skills to be a good playmaker in the league.
Helm, as a rookie, demonstrated the ability to make tough catches, and is already considered a solid blocker. If he can put the full package together and continue to develop, Solak believes he could be a big-time weapon for the Titans.
That would certainly be great news for Ward and the Tennessee offense. The Titans are expecting a lot out of Robinson and Tate, and also running back Tony Pollard. If Helm can take his game to another level and consistently produce, the Titans could quickly become a dangerous offense.
As a rookie, Helm caught 44 passes for 357 yards and two touchdowns in 16 games. Now, with a season under his belt and and another offseason, the young tight end should be heading towards a second-year leap. Having Brian Daboll as offensive coordinator should play a part in his development, and having an improved wide receiver unit should also help Helm get favorable matchups.
If everything goes right for the 2025 fourth-round pick, he could establish himself as one of the better tight ends in the league.
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