The 2026 NFL free agency window officially opens at 3:00 p.m. ET on March 11, but the real action kicks off two days earlier when the legal tampering period begins at 11:00 a.m. on March 9. That’s when teams can start negotiating with pending free agents, and this year, with a fresh wave of coaching changes across the league, expect more player movement than usual.
The Tennessee Titans are shaping up to be one of the more aggressive teams when the market opens. Armed with the most effective cap space in the league, Tennessee has both the flexibility and the motivation to make serious upgrades. And according to recent projections, they could land three key free agents who would immediately elevate their roster on both sides of the ball.
EDGE Jaelan Phillips: A Game-Changer Off the Edge
Let’s start with Jaelan Phillips. The former first-round pick didn’t post eye-popping sack numbers in 2025-he finished with five-but don’t let that fool you.
Phillips was a consistent disruptor, tying for ninth in the NFL in total pressures and posting an elite 18.8% pressure rate. That’s the kind of underlying production that defensive coordinators love to build around.
For a Titans defense that desperately needs more juice off the edge, Phillips could be a perfect fit. With Tennessee’s cap space, they can afford to outbid other suitors like Washington, Los Angeles (Chargers), and Philadelphia. Plugging Phillips into a front that already includes Jeffery Simmons and rookie standout T’Vondre Sweat would give Tennessee a legitimate pass-rushing trio-something they’ve lacked in recent years.
WR Jauan Jennings: A Reliable Target for a Young QB
On the offensive side, wide receiver Jauan Jennings is another name to watch. After a breakout 2024 campaign, Jennings followed up with a strong 2025 season that included nine touchdown grabs.
He’s not a burner, but he brings size, toughness, and reliability-especially on third downs. That’s the kind of receiver every quarterback wants in their huddle.
With Cam Ward likely taking the reins at quarterback, surrounding him with dependable pass catchers is a must. Imagine a receiving corps featuring a healthy Calvin Ridley, rookie standout Elic Ayomanor or Chimere Dike, and Jennings working the middle of the field.
That’s a balanced trio with a mix of speed, size, and route-running savvy. And with Brian Daboll calling plays, there’s real potential for this passing game to take off.
Jennings also has a connection to new Titans defensive coordinator Robert Saleh from their time in San Francisco, which could help Tennessee seal the deal. Other teams like Buffalo, San Francisco, and Atlanta are expected to show interest, but Tennessee offers a compelling combination of opportunity and familiarity.
LB Nakobe Dean: The Middle Man for Saleh’s Defense
Then there’s linebacker Nakobe Dean. Injuries have slowed his start in the NFL, but the talent is undeniable. Saleh knows exactly how to get the most out of aggressive, instinctive linebackers, and Dean could thrive behind a stout defensive front.
Picture this: Dean lining up behind Simmons, Sweat, and Phillips. That’s a front seven built to control the line of scrimmage and unleash linebackers as blitzers and playmakers. Dean’s ability to shoot gaps and diagnose plays quickly would complement the Titans’ young linebacking core, giving someone like Cedric Gray more freedom to roam and make plays.
Buffalo, Carolina, and Minnesota are also in the mix for Dean, but Tennessee’s defensive vision under Saleh might be the best fit for unlocking his potential.
A New Era in Nashville?
If the Titans can close the deal on all three of these projected signings-Phillips, Jennings, and Dean-they’re not just filling holes. They’re building a new identity.
On defense, they’d be tougher in the trenches and more versatile at linebacker. On offense, they’d be giving their young quarterback a reliable target who can move the chains and score in the red zone.
With Brian Daboll overseeing the offense and Robert Saleh shaping the defense, the Titans are clearly targeting players who fit their systems and bring familiarity to the locker room. As they finalize their coaching staff and prepare for free agency, don’t be surprised to see more names with ties to Daboll and Saleh make their way to Nashville.
The Titans have the cap space, the coaching vision, and now, potentially, the personnel to make a real jump in 2026. Keep an eye on Tennessee-they’re not just rebuilding, they’re reloading.