Tennessee Titans quarterback Cam Ward was sacked a league-high 55 times during his rookie 2025 season. As an offense as a whole, the Titans allowed 66 sacks. That was sixth-most in the entire NFL.
Unsurprisingly, general manager Mike Borgonzi made changes to the offensive line throughout the offseason. The problem? None of the acquisitions arrive with proven pedigree. Instead, the Titans are relying on a series of gambles to address last year's blocking mishaps.
The Titans will have two new starters at right guard and center. Training camp will slowly reveal how much confidence the fanbase can place in the new-look offensive line. The Titans are relying on several offseason risks to pay off.
Tennessee Titans need a lot to go right for their IOL room to improve
The Titans released center Lloyd Cushenberry with a failed physical designation. Instead of signing a proven asset to replace him, they went with Austin Schlottmann in free agency. Schlottmann was chosen partially because he played for new offensive coordinator Brian Daboll and position coach Carmen Bricillo in New York.
Schlottmann has started 18 career games in seven seasons. Four of those were for Daboll and Bricillo with the Giants in 2025. The Titans are betting on Schlottmann's familiarity with the scheme allowing him to play at a starting-caliber level.
As disappointing as the Titans' offensive line was at times throughout 2025, right guard was not a weakness. The Titans received stellar play from veteran guard Kevin Zeitler. Despite that, Zeitler was not re-signed this offseason, and a position battle will determine his replacement.
Sophomore fifth-round pick Jackson Slater and free-agent signing Cordell Volson will compete for the starting role. Volson probably possesses the advantage as a result of having 48 career starts. He's always been a below average player, however, and Slater is an inexperienced gamble. Either way, there's a risk involved here.
There's legitimate excitement about the Titans' offense under Daboll. The mysteries surrounding the offensive line is one thing that can derail Ward. Tennessee is making a series of gambles around Ward.
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