The Tennessee Titans have made quite the splash in the first wave of free agency, capitalizing on their ample cap space to bring in fresh talent. It's an exciting time for fans, but there's a lesson to be learned from two offseasons ago when heavy spending didn’t pan out as planned.
General Manager Ran Carthon's previous spree brought in numerous free agents to fill critical needs, yet it didn’t translate to success on the field. This has left Titans fans cautious about high spending, especially when some of last season's biggest spenders had remarkable turnarounds.
Consider the top spenders in the 2025 free agent cycle:
- Patriots: $193M spent, +10 wins, AFC Championship appearance
- Vikings: $153M spent, -5 wins
- Giants: $139M spent, +1 win
- Panthers: $102M spent, +3 wins
- Seahawks: $102M spent, +4 wins, Super Bowl victory
The Titans can't ignore free agency when building their roster. It's crucial to use every available avenue, especially with significant cap space.
However, simply throwing money around to fill gaps isn't a winning strategy. Mike Borgonzi seems to understand this.
A More Selective Approach for the Titans
This time around, the Titans are being more strategic in their free agency decisions. While not every move will be a home run, there's a noticeable shift in approach from the Carthon era. Back then, it felt like the team was chasing big names without considering how they’d fit into the overall scheme.
Players like Tony Pollard, Calvin Ridley, Lloyd Cushenberry, and Chidobe Awuzie were talented additions, but they didn’t gel into a cohesive unit. Even a seemingly smart trade for L'Jarius Sneed didn’t pan out as hoped.
Borgonzi’s 2026 strategy emphasizes familiarity and fit. The Titans are prioritizing players who have experience with head coach Brian Daboll and defensive coordinator Robert Saleh. This includes depth players like Solomon Thomas and Jordan Elliott, who understand the system and culture.
Even with some uncertainty at the center position, the Titans brought in Austin Schlottmann, who has a history with OL coach Carmen Bricillo. It's a calculated risk, but one grounded in familiarity and past performance.
This mirrors the 2025 Patriots’ approach, who brought in players familiar with Mike Vrabel’s system, contributing to their success.
Building a Strong Foundation
Successful teams often have a solid foundation of drafted players and strong coaching. While free agency can provide a boost, the draft remains crucial for building a Super Bowl contender. The 2021-22 Rams are a rare exception to this rule.
Teams like the 2020-21 Buccaneers, 2024-25 Eagles, and last year’s Seahawks combined savvy free agency moves with homegrown talent to find success.
The 2024 Titans lacked this foundation. They struggled with an inexperienced coaching staff and few homegrown stars. Fast forward to now, and the Titans have a young quarterback who finished 2025 on a high note, a head coach known for building strong cultures, and experienced play callers.
While their draft picks are still developing, the Titans are on a more promising path. The 2025 draft class has shown potential, contributing to a positive culture shift.
The 2025 Patriots, with Mike Vrabel at the helm, showed that strategic free agency moves can complement a strong draft foundation. They drafted MVP-caliber QB Drake Maye and standout Christian Gonzalez.
The 2026 Titans might not replicate the Patriots' success immediately, but they’re on track to climb out of the basement. By focusing on team cohesion and smart drafting, they're setting the stage for future success.