The Tennessee Titans effectively made their first offseason move back in October, firing head coach Brian Callahan. There’s been an ongoing Titans coaching search ever since and finding the next leader of this franchise is just part of what should be a busy offseason for Tennessee.
Let’s dive into our list of the four Titans offseason moves we feel should be made in 2026.
Marcus Freeman Hired as Titans Coach
Heading into an offseason where there really isn’t a must-have target for NFL teams seeking their next head coach, Marcus Freeman is becoming a more compelling option. The recent history of college coaches going to the NFL isn’t promising, but Freeman also isn’t just a great offensive play-caller taking advantage of collegiate rules. Instead, he is renowned for his leadership and carries an impressive track record as a defensive coordinator.
In hiring Freeman, Tennessee would need to ensure there are many assistants with NFL experience on his staff. A potential Titans coaching staff under Freeman could include the likes of Brian Daboll and Raheem Morris; of course, those are just two potential examples. The key is bringing Freeman’s leadership into the building, hopefully recreating what Mike Vrabel had during his tenure. It would be a risky gamble for sure, but the Titans’ recent history of turnover at head coach and general manager might also limit their options.
Related: NFL Coaching Candidates 2026
Sign Quay Walker in NFL Free Agency
With more than $100 million in projected cap space this offseason, the Titans could certainly splurge in NFL free agency on someone like edge rusher Trey Hendrickson or wide receiver George Pickens. However, we hold the belief that the best approach is to spread that money around to address multiple needs on the roster. Tennessee could take a swing on an inside linebacker on Day 2 of the 2026 NFL Draft, but young linebackers tend to struggle early in their careers.
Instead, we think the Titans should spend on Quay Walker. Taken by the Green Bay Packers with the 22nd overall pick in the 2022 NFL Draft, the 6-foot-4 linebacker offers outstanding length and athleticism for his size. That shows up in his sideline-to-sideline playmaking ability. He is already developed and offers the versatility to be used as a blitzer, to drop back in zone coverage, or to fly in to defend the run. Plus, he is entering NFL free agency ahead of his age-26 season, so Tennessee would be getting his prime years.
Add Deebo Samuel as an Offensive Weapon
This Titans offense simply needs more weapons for Cam Ward to take that next step in his young career. There are some intriguing options—such as Mike Evans and George Pickens—who could be No. 1 receivers, and then some vertical threats like Alec Pierce, who could cost upward of $22 million per season. Given that likely cost, we feel the best option is a short-term bet on Deebo Samuel and to use a Day 2 pick in the 2026 NFL Draft on a wide receiver.
Samuel has demonstrated this season in Washington that he still has plenty of juice in the tank; he is able to make plays after the catch (384 YAC this season) and can still get open relatively quickly. Tennessee could offer him a one- or two-year deal with a higher AAV, bringing him in as a proverbial safety blanket for Ward. It wouldn’t be a “splash” signing, but the on-field impact is far more important than the headlines.
Select Arvell Reese in the 2026 NFL Draft
Fortunately for Tennessee, the number of quarterback-needy teams surrounding it in the 2026 NFL Draft means an elite prospect should fall. The obvious target is Ohio State Buckeyes linebacker Arvell Reese. A reigning All-American and the Big Ten Linebacker of the Year winner, Reese can do it all at 6-foot-4. He offers the highest upside as an edge rusher long-term, with some stylistic comparisons to Micah Parsons. Even if he can’t quite reach that ceiling, as Parsons is a future Hall of Famer, we’re still talking about a three-down defender who a great defensive coordinator can use like a chess piece in the front seven. Plus, Reese would have the added benefit of playing on a defense that already has Jeffrey Simmons and T’Vondre Sweat.
Related: 2026 NFL Mock Draft
