AFC South Roundup: Etienne on Bears’ Radar, Tank Dell’s Comeback, and Titans’ New Direction Under Saleh
As we inch deeper into the NFL offseason, the AFC South is already buzzing with personnel moves, free agency whispers, and some serious reshuffling on the coaching front. Let’s break down what’s happening across the Jaguars, Texans, and Titans - and why it all matters heading into 2026.
Jaguars: Etienne Drawing Interest, Staff Takes Shape
Travis Etienne is poised to hit the open market, and it sounds like the Bears could be among the teams ready to make a run at him. League insiders believe Chicago has its eye on the dynamic running back, but there’s skepticism about the fit.
Etienne’s skill set - especially his ability to impact the game as a pass-catcher - seems tailor-made for Liam Coen’s offense in Jacksonville. If the Jaguars want to keep their offensive rhythm intact, retaining Etienne might be more than just a luxury - it could be a necessity.
Meanwhile, Jacksonville continues to build out its coaching staff. The team has brought in Mathieu Araujo as defensive pass game coordinator and Brian Picucci as run game coordinator. These hires suggest a continued focus on refining both sides of the ball, especially as the Jaguars look to take the next step in a competitive AFC South.
Texans: Tank Dell’s Return & Coaching Changes Highlight Offseason Moves
If you’re a Texans fan, hearing Tank Dell say he’s “back” should feel like music to your ears.
The explosive wide receiver missed the entire season, and he didn’t sugarcoat how tough that was. “The hardest year of my life,” Dell said, reflecting on the emotional toll of being sidelined for the first time since he started playing football at five years old.
But now? He’s healthy, motivated, and ready to get back to work.
“Once the season comes, we’re gonna cook up,” he added - and if his rookie flashes were any indication, Dell’s return could give Houston’s offense a serious jolt.
On the personnel front, Houston is reportedly eyeing Panthers center Cade Mays, who’s set to become a free agent. Shoring up the interior offensive line would make a lot of sense, especially if the Texans want to protect their young quarterback and open up the run game.
There’s also been a shakeup on the coaching staff. The Texans are parting ways with three assistants: tight ends coach Jake Moreland, assistant linebackers coach Ben Bolling, and offensive assistant Mike Snyder. That kind of turnover suggests the team is looking to recalibrate certain position groups as they continue to build around their young core.
Titans: Saleh & Daboll Begin Their Blueprint for a New Era
The Titans are entering a new chapter, and it’s already clear that Robert Saleh and Brian Daboll are going to be at the center of it.
Tennessee has hired Carmen Bricillo, formerly with the Giants, to coach the offensive line. That move was widely expected, given his connection to Daboll, who’s now the Titans’ offensive coordinator. Daboll will be running the offense with full autonomy - much like Saleh did on the defensive side when he was with the 49ers.
And there’s a clear vision in place. Saleh emphasized that Daboll’s track record with young quarterbacks was a major factor in bringing him aboard.
The focus now shifts to Cam Ward, the Titans’ young signal-caller. Saleh said the plan is to take Ward “back to the beginning” - a reset of sorts, aimed at developing him from the ground up.
But perhaps the most telling quote from Saleh came when he spoke about the culture he’s walking into: “I did probably as much media research on this organization as they did on me. What I found was that the people here are unbelievable. I’m a firm believer that people win championships.”
That’s not just coach-speak - that’s a clear indication that the Titans are building something bigger than a playbook. They’re building a foundation.
Bottom Line
The AFC South is in flux, but not in a bad way. The Jaguars are trying to keep their offensive engine humming, the Texans are getting a key weapon back and tweaking the edges of their coaching staff, and the Titans are laying down a new blueprint with Saleh and Daboll leading the charge.
It’s early, but the groundwork is being laid - and the division could look very different by the time training camp rolls around.