
Monday afternoon marks another touchstone in the ever-expanding NFL calendar. Much like their college football counterparts, “tampering” is a way of life but a more publicized secret. Signings can’t be made official until the league year starts a couple of days later, but news leaks out anyway, like in the NBA. ESPN’s intrepid insider, Jeremy Fowler, dropped several nuggets about the links to the Titans’ free agency plans, among other news. What were they, and how could they affect the team with OverTheCap’s second-most cap space?
“That’s going to be a challenge. Pierce appears poised to make at least $27 million per year on a new deal. The Patriots,Commanders, Raiders and Titans are among teams in the mix.”
Alec Pierce remains the belle of the ball in terms of free agent receivers, but the Titans aren’t without options in the market as several big names populate the market. Pierce is a big-play threat who could go back to Indianapolis, but Daniel Jones may have cost them. The Colts’ star is in line for a huge payday after enduring multiple seasons with substandard quarterback play. Tennessee has the cap space and roster barren of top receiver options to accommodate Pierce’s needs and wants. Could they make a play for the veteran speedster, and is it worth paying him like a WR1 when he hasn’t shown that he can be one?
Time will tell very quickly as the new league year dawns. It’s more than likely that Pierce returns to the Colts, barring some catastrophic malpractice or market-shaking contract. This leaves Tennessee to move on to the next man up.
“Packers wide receiver Romeo Doubs plans to hit the market. Talks with Green Bay did not result in a new deal. He’ll have several suitors. The Patriots, Commanders and Titans are closely watching his market, along with the 49ers. Doubs is considered by some evaluators to be the best all-around receiver in the group.”
The Packers receiver is part of a cavalcade of young receivers seeking a large-scale paycheck that Green Bay notoriously doesn’t give out at the position. He hasn’t proven that he can be a bona fide number one, however. Whether that is on Jordan Love enduring bouts of inconsistency or a crowded receiver room is a question that the Titans must answer. Doubs has never cracked the 1,000-yard barrier in his career and profiles as a highly effective WR2. He’s in a similar vein to Calvin Ridley, who’s expected to be a cut candidate if the right replacements are found. Doubs has been linked to Tennessee before, but in a trade.
How much will he fetch on the open market? Another significant question is whether his CV merits a large raise, which adds to the pressures of being a WR1. Titans POFO Chad Brinker was part of the Packers front office when Doubs was drafted.
“Tennessee has been linked toWan’Dale Robinson. There is mutual interest, but Robinson will have other suitors.”
The obvious connection is former Giants head coach-turned-Titans offensive coordinator Brian Daboll, under whom Robinson thrived. Robinson helped lead the way for another rookie quarterback in 2025, so his rapport with Cam Ward could be influential. He improved his numbers every season, culminating with over 1,000 yards and four touchdowns in 2025. The Giants’ free agent has shown flashes of becoming that key WR1, but can he become that guy, which his contract dictates? He’ll have a market flush with suitors, that’s for sure. Tennessee boasts ample cap space and a familiar coaching staff in its recruiting pitch.
“I’m hearing Walker will consider the Giants and Commanders among his options, with the Titans as a possibility, too. Etienne has AFC West love via Denver and Kansas City. Both of those teams could check on Walker and others, too, depending on price ranges.”
Tennessee already has a highly compensated running back in Tony Pollard, who did yeoman’s work running behind a horrendous offensive line. However, they would be remiss not to at least check in with the reigning Super Bowl MVP. While having two high-priced running backs on the roster isn’t ideal, Pollard’s contract provides an escape hatch. According to OverTheCap, the Titans would incur a $2 million dead cap charge, compared to a $7,250,000 cap savings if he’s cut. A simple check-in doesn’t indicate interest, and Walker is expected to reach the $10 million AAV plateau.
The offensive line needs help after the failed Lloyd Cusheberry regime, which ended with his release in February. He signed a big bucks contract with the Titans in 2024, but did not live up to the billing. There could be help on the way in free agency, and a competent replacement must be found. The center market is drying up faster than a raindrop in the Sahara Desert. Tyler Linderbaum presents the best opportunity for Tennessee to seek an upgrade, according to Fowler.
“Can they pull off the same with center Tyler Linderbaum? He will have the center market cornered, so if he gets to Monday, he’ll be tough to keep. The Raiders, Giants and Titans could be involved to some extent. The number should easily surpass $20 million per year.”
Tennessee presents an intriguing option for Linderbaum with no state income tax, vast amounts of cap space, and a young quarterback to mentor. The Titans could easily surpass other contenders for his services, but it won’t be cheap.
“I continue to hear that John Franklin-Myers will hit it big in free agency. He’s the top interior rusher on the market and the draft isn’t overly strong at his spot. He has several teams in the mix.”
While not implicitly mentioned by name, Tennessee has tremendous ties to Franklin Myers, and one new Titan has been actively recruiting him. Myers previously played for new head coach Robert Saleh while with the Jets. The ties are there with the coaching staff, but can GM Mike Borgonzi close the deal with the veteran looking for a contender?
“In backup QB news, Mitchell Trubisky has garnered interest as a quality No. 2. The Titans, Bills and Jets are among teams on the radar here.”
Ward is the unquestioned starter, but he was injured during the final game of the season with a shoulder injury. Tennessee’s current backup is Brandon Allen, and the position could be improved upon. Trubisky would provide an upgrade to Allen and bring starting experience should the Titans need it. Ward is expected to be ready for camp, but it would be wise to limit his pitch count to preserve his arm. Trubisky is a serviceable backup option when called on, and he has played well in Josh Allen’s stead at times.
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