AFC South Offseason Update: Colts Face Key Free Agent Decisions, Jaguars Eye Offensive Balance, Titans Add Coaching Depth
As the 2026 offseason heats up, the AFC South is already making moves - both on the roster and in the coaching ranks. The Colts are staring down some pivotal free agent decisions, the Jaguars are reevaluating their offensive identity, and the Titans continue to reshape their coaching staff under new leadership. Let’s break it all down.
Colts: Big Decisions Loom in Free Agency
The Colts have some serious choices ahead when it comes to their impending free agents, and the front office will need to navigate injury concerns, positional value, and long-term cap flexibility.
Quarterback Daniel Jones tops the list. Despite a season-ending Achilles injury, the expectation is that Jones will be back in Indianapolis in 2026.
Before the injury, he was trending toward a contract in the ballpark of what Sam Darnold landed with Seattle - three years, $100.5 million. That number likely takes a hit now, but the Colts still seem committed to him as their guy under center.
The question becomes: how much risk are they willing to take on a QB coming off a major injury?
Wide receiver Alec Pierce comes in as the second-highest priority. He’s projected to command $20.2 million annually - a hefty price tag, but one that reflects his growing role in the offense. Pierce has developed into a reliable vertical threat, and with a potentially fragile quarterback situation, keeping playmakers around becomes even more critical.
Safety Nick Cross is another name to watch. His projected $6.1 million per year isn’t outrageous, but the Colts may weigh that against cheaper options in free agency or the draft. If Cross walks, Indianapolis will need to fill that void quickly - either with a budget-friendly veteran or a Day 2 draft pick who can contribute early.
Defensive tackle Neville Gallimore looks like a straightforward decision. At a projected $2.2 million per year, bringing him back makes too much sense. He’s been a steady rotational piece who gives the defensive line quality depth without breaking the bank.
Tight end Mo Alie-Cox falls into a similar category. His projected salary is also $2.2 million, and for a team that values tight ends in both the run and pass game, that’s a small price to pay for continuity and versatility.
Off the field, the Colts’ coaching tree continues to branch out. Former offensive quality control coach Brian Bratton is heading to Stanford to become their wide receivers coach - a move announced by current Colts WRs coach Reggie Wayne on social media.
Meanwhile, the Colts are expected to bring in Marion Hobby, a former Tennessee defensive analyst, as their new defensive line coach. Hobby brings a wealth of experience and could help elevate a front that’s looking to take the next step.
Jaguars: Coen Wants More Balance, Better Execution
New Jaguars head coach Liam Coen is already setting the tone for what he wants to see next season - and it starts with balance.
“We need to be balanced throughout the entire season,” Coen said, reflecting on how the offense evolved in 2025. Early in the year, the ground game was the engine, helping Jacksonville stack wins.
But as the season progressed, the passing game took over - and not always in a good way. When the postseason rolled around, the Jags couldn’t find that complete offensive identity, and it showed in their playoff loss to the Bills.
To get over the hump, Coen knows they need to be firing on all cylinders come January. That means establishing a ground game that holds up for 17-plus weeks and a passing attack that can adapt when defenses start to tighten up.
Defensively, Coen pointed to two key areas: third-down stops and pass rush. The Jaguars struggled to get off the field in critical situations, especially against high-powered passing attacks. Limiting explosive plays and generating more consistent pressure on the quarterback will be top priorities heading into next season.
Titans: Saleh Adds to Staff with Familiar Face
In Tennessee, head coach Robert Saleh continues to build out his staff, and he’s bringing in a trusted name. Per reports, the Titans are hiring Dave Borgonzi as their new linebackers coach.
Borgonzi, formerly with the Cowboys, was one of eight candidates interviewed for the role. His arrival adds experience to a defensive coaching group that’s being reshaped under Saleh’s leadership. The Titans are in the middle of a broader rebuild, and bringing in coaches who align with Saleh’s vision - especially on defense - is a crucial step in that process.
Interestingly, Mike Borgonzi, Dave’s brother, has also been linked to the Titans' front office in recent weeks, though no official move has been confirmed.
Final Thoughts
The AFC South is in flux, but it’s also full of potential. The Colts have key contract decisions that could shape their roster for years to come.
The Jaguars are trying to fine-tune a playoff-caliber team into a true contender. And the Titans are laying down the foundation for a new era under Saleh.
It’s only February, but the groundwork for 2026 is already being laid. Stay tuned - this division could look very different come September.