The Tennessee Titans just wrapped up their preseason finale, losing 24-15 to the Chicago Bears. It's an extremely quick turnaround for general manager Mike Borgonzi and head coach Robert Saleh. The Titans must submit their initial 53-man roster by Sunday afternoon.
Preseason and training camp provided the Titans with opportunities to let position battles play out. Now, Borgonzi must make some difficult calls. An improved roster has tougher decisions to make throughout compared to last offseason.
Tennessee has until Sunday, August 30th, at 5 p.m. CST to trim its offseason roster down to 53 players. So which group of 53 will Borgonzi and Saleh choose to enter the 2026 campaign with? Our final projections include various surprise decisions.
Final Tennessee Titans 53-man roster prediction for the 2026 season
Quarterbacks: Cam Ward, Mitch Trubisky
Will Levis has not done enough to justify the Titans carrying three quarterbacks. We used to believe the Titans couldn't outright release Levis, but that opinion has changed. He was chaotic, unpredictable and erratic throughout the preseason, and the chances of them receiving a trade offer have decreased, unless his decent Week 3 showing salvages things.
Running backs: Tony Pollard, Tyjae Spears, Nicholas Singleton, Julius Chestnut
*PUP: Kalel Mullings
Preseason star Julius Chestnut feels like a lock after special teams coordinator John "Bones" Fassel called him among the best third-phase players he's ever coached. Tony Pollard and Tyjae Spears will be heavily involved in Brian Daboll's offense. Rookie Nicholas Singleton is a developmental talent. Kalel Mullings has been hurt, and could start the season on IR or PUP.
Wide receivers: Carnell Tate, Wan'Dale Robinson, Calvin Ridley, Chimere Dike, Elic Ayomanor, Bryce Oliver, Xavier Restrepo
The Titans have legitimate competition at backend wide receiver. Bryce Oliver is a roster-bubble player, but his importance on special teams swings the debate in his favor. For the first time this offseason, we're projecting seven receivers, with Xavier Restrepo having done enough to justify a spot. Undrafted rookie Hank Beatty is a difficult cut.
Tight ends: Gunnar Helm, Daniel Bellinger, Kylen Granson, David Martin-Robinson
Rookie Jaren Kanak unfortunately suffered a season-ending injury. David Martin-Robinson has made enough plays at Titans practice to justify being the No. 3 behind Daniel Bellinger and Gunnar Helm. Will the Titans keep four? We gave a slight edge to veteran Kylen Granson over Joel Wilson.
Offensive line: Dan Moore, Peter Skoronski, Austin Schlottmann, Fernando Carmona, JC Latham, Jackson Slater, Brandon Crenshaw-Dickson, Pat Coogan, Cordell Volson
We're going light with nine initial offensive lineman, because quite frankly, the Titans don't have enough depth to justify a 10th. Austin Deculus is the notable cut here, with Brandon Crenshaw-Dickson leaping him as the swing tackle. After cuts are finalized, expect Borgonzi to find a 10th lineman (and second reserve tackle) elsewhere, cutting an extra receiver, linebacker, or cornerback to make room. Also, Cordell Volson makes our squad despite his offseason struggles due to the guaranteed money in his contract.
Defensive line: Jeffery Simmons, John Franklin-Myers, Solomon Thomas, Jordan Elliott, Jackie Marshall
Rookie Jackie Marshall got healthy enough to make this initial 53. Veteran Khalen Saunders has been receiving reps higher up the depth chart, and is one to watch as a potential surprise inclusion. Coach Saleh loves rotating lineman, so keeping an extra body wouldn't hurt.
EDGE: Jermaine Johnson II, Femi Oladejo, Jacob Martin, Keldric Faulk
The Titans lost Jaylen Harrell to a season-ending injury, so they don't have five edge rushers worth keeping. Instead of forcing a fifth because that's our preferred number, we initially go with four, and perhaps Borgonzi will find an option via the waiver wire. John Franklin-Myers can also occasionally play outside, eliminating an immediate requirement.
Linebacker: Cedric Gray, Cody Barton, Anthony Hill Jr., James Williams, Dorian Mausi
The Titans have fantastic linebacker depth. Lately, rookie Anthony Hill Jr. and third-year pro James Williams have been pushing for more playing time. Dorian Mausi edges out Mohamoud Diabate for the final spot.
Cornerback: Alontae Taylor, Cor'Dale Flott, Marcus Harris, Joshua Williams, Micah Robinson, Keydrain Calligan
Micah Robinson and Keydrain Calligan have arguably been the Titans' best backend corners. If we made a wrong guess here, it's because veteran Mario Goodrich III is a surprise inclusion. Borgonzi could consider a waiver wire addition to improve the depth.
Safety: Amani Hooker, Kevin Winston Jr., Tony Adams, Erick Hallett II
The Titans believe Kevin Winston Jr. is taking a sophomore step forward. Coach Saleh loves Tony Adams as the No. 3 safety, having previously coached him with the Jets. Erick Hallett II has been undeniable at camp, and has emerged as the fourth safety.
Specialists: Joey Slye (K), Tommy Townsend (P), Morgan Cox (LS)
Joey Slye was outstanding throughout the preseason after overcoming a shaky early August. Tommy Townsend should be an upgrade from last year's punter Johnny Hekker. Morgan Cox is the forever long snapper.
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