Tennessee Titans running back Tyjae Spears entered a fate-deciding contract year in 2026. Thus far, there's no reason to believe Titans GM Mike Borgonzi will attempt to re-sign Spears this coming offseason. He's quietly burning through his final chance with the team.
Spears has enjoyed an up-and-down tenure with the Titans. He occasionally flashed as a rookie while backing up Derrick Henry. His sophomore and third seasons were supposed to welcome bigger results, but injuries derailed him from being consistently in the lineup.
Spears has appeared in all five Titans contests in 2026 despite being on the injury report. The former Tulane standout has rushed for 65 yards and zero touchdowns via 17 carries, fumbling twice (losing one). Spears' 3.8 yards per carry is also a reflection of a poor run-blocking unit, but leaves no indication that he'll return next campaign.
Tyjae Spears is rapidly falling out of favor with Tennessee Titans fans
In fairness, Spears has been more impactful as a receiving back. The dual-threat playmaker has accumulated 14 receptions for 68 yards. His 4.9 yards per reception makes him a legitimate outlet as a checkdown for a Titans passing offense that needs to put itself in better second-and-favorable situations.
But the rushing attack has been downright abysmal. The Titans are averaging a 27th-ranked 82.6 yards per outing via the ground approach. Spears is currently on track to finish his third consecutive campaign with a per-carry average under 4.0 yards.
Spears has looked out-of-place when aligned in the backfield on early-down situations. His Week 5 fumble occurred during the first quarter and really hurt the offense. The veteran Tony Pollard continues to deserve the bulk of the workload.
Titans expected to totally overhaul the RB room next offseason
Spears isn't the only Titans ball-carrier on an expiring contract. Pollard is too. That makes both Pollard and Spears potential trade candidates as the deadline approaches.
Meanwhile, rookie Nicholas Singleton hasn't shown enough in limited time to indicate he's the 2027 solution. No, if Borgonzi is letting both Pollard and Spears leave next offseason, the Titans will have to totally revamp the RB room. Whether that occurs via free agency or the 2027 NFL Draft is yet to be determined.
It's become painfully evident that Spears won't be extended in Tennessee beyond his expiring rookie contract. Unless there is a midseason turnaround, that remains the expectation. At this point, it'd be silly to expect an alternative outcome.
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