The Tennessee Titans came into 2026 free agency with over $100 million in cap space, a rebuilding roster, and a mandate to surround second-year quarterback Cam Ward with enough talent to compete.
On Day 1 of the legal tampering window, GM Mike Borgonzi made his intentions crystal clear: he was going to spend, and spend aggressively. By Monday afternoon, the Titans had signed six players for a total of $275.25 million, marking one of the most aggressive single-day hauls in recent history.
But with big swings come big questions, and not everyone is convinced Borgonzi spent wisely.
Breaking Down The Titans Moves
Player
Position
Years
Total Value
Wan’Dale Robinson
WR
4
$78,000,000
Alontae Taylor
CB
3
$60,000,000
John Franklin-Myers
DL
3
$63,000,000
Cor’Dale Flott
CB
3
$45,000,000
Daniel Bellinger
TE
3
$24,000,000
Mitchell Trubisky
QB
2
$5,250,000
Total
$275,250,000
Offense
The marquee acquisition on offense was wide receiver Wan’Dale Robinson, who reunited with offensive coordinator Brian Daboll, his former head coach in New York. Robinson joins Tennessee on a four-year deal worth up to $78 million with $38 million guaranteed.
The former Giants receiver broke out in 2025, racking up 2.1 yards per route run (up from 1.3 in 2024) while recording a career-high 28% target share with Malik Nabers sidelined with an ACL tear. He brings familiarity with Daboll’s system and gives Ward a legitimate slot weapon heading into Year 2.
Daniel Bellinger, another former Giant, adds blocking tight end depth on a three-year, $24 million. Mitchell Trubisky rounds out the group as Ward’s backup on a two-year, $5.25 million deal.
Defense
On defense, the Titans went all-in on the pass rush and secondary. Edge rusher John Franklin-Myers signed a three-year, $63 million deal with $42 million guaranteed.
He rejoins head coach Robert Saleh, who previously coached him with the Jets.
Cornerback Alontae Taylor came over from New Orleans on three years and $60 million, while fellow corner Cor’Dale Flott agreed to three years and $45 million with $32 million guaranteed.
Robinson, Franklin-Myers Reunite with Former Coaches
The Titans finished 2025 as one of the league’s most talent-deficient rosters. With Ward on a cheap rookie deal, this is the exact window to spend freely. Borgonzi addressed genuine needs at wide receiver, cornerback, and pass rusher all in one afternoon, but were these actually the right moves?
The Robinson signing in particular has defenders. His receiver metrics suggest an above-average ability to get open, and the contract price came in roughly in line with projections given his age and production.
The Franklin-Myers and Saleh connection also has a logical foundation. Borgonzi already traded for Jermaine Johnson II from the Jets, adding another familiar pass rusher to the fold who can help build Saleh’s defensive identity.
Tennessee is betting that familiarity will help both players make an instant impact in an organization that is desperate for a culture change.
Did The Titans Overpay For Bellinger?
Some analysts are skeptical of some of the other signings, including that of Alontae Taylor.
Pegged as one of the most valuable free agents of the cycle, Taylor allowed 1.6 yards per coverage snap in both 2023 and 2024 before his breakout 2025. He ranked number one amongst cornerbacks in stops, second in sacks, and 5th in receptions allowed.
But paying $20 million AAV on a potential one-year wonder is exactly the kind of free agency mistake that haunts teams in the long run. Cornerback is considered one of the most volatile positions year-to-year, which makes Taylor’s contract an even bigger risk.
The Bellinger deal also drew immediate criticism. Tennessee is paying him $8 million annually despite him never eclipsing 300 receiving yards in a single season.
And looming over all of it is the ghost of the previous regime. Former GM Ran Carthon made countless mistakes acquiring big-ticket players whose timelines didn’t align with the team’s rebuild, a cautionary tale Borgonzi can’t afford to repeat.
Final Thoughts
Tennessee’s spending spree to open free agency was a sign that the Titans have re-committed to building a competitive roster. Borgonzi attacked the team’s most glaring holes with urgency, and the majority of the signings look like legitimate upgrades.
But at 3-14, this team was far from a few players away from being a legitimate AFC contender.
Spending $147 million on three former Giants who played under Daboll seems less like a master plan and more like a recipe for disaster.
Add in Franklin-Myers and Jermaine Johnson, who also played under Saleh, and this reunion tour underway in Tennessee is exactly the kind of blind trust that can put a GM on the hot seat.
