As the Tennessee Titans enter a new era under head coach Robert Saleh and offensive coordinator Brian Daboll, they're staring down a familiar offseason crossroads - the kind that tests a front office’s blend of patience, planning, and pragmatism. This time, the spotlight falls on tight end Chig Okonkwo, a dynamic playmaker whose contract is set to expire just as the franchise begins reshaping its identity.
Chig Okonkwo: Reliable in the Chaos
Over the past four seasons, Okonkwo has been one of the few constants in an offense defined by change. Quarterbacks have come and gone, but Chig has remained a steady presence - and in 2025, he was more than just steady.
He led the team in receptions (56) and receiving yards (560), emerging as a go-to option in a passing game that often struggled to find rhythm. His chemistry with rookie quarterback Cam Ward was one of the few bright spots in a 3-14 campaign that otherwise offered little to celebrate.
But now comes the tough part: figuring out his future in Tennessee.
The Value Question: Stats vs. Role
On paper, Okonkwo’s numbers look solid, especially considering the context. But when you break down his game, it becomes clear that his value isn’t built on traditional tight end metrics.
He’s not Travis Kelce or George Kittle - he’s not dominating in-line as a blocker or racking up red zone touchdowns. He scored just two TDs last season and has drawn criticism for his blocking.
What he does bring, though, is elite Yards After Catch (YAC) ability and the kind of mismatch potential you typically see from a big slot receiver rather than a traditional "Y" tight end.
That nuance matters when you consider the price tag. The projected franchise tag for tight ends in 2026 is around $16.3 million. That’s a hefty number for a player whose impact is more scheme-specific than all-around dominant - especially when the Titans used a mid-round pick last year on Gunnar Helm, a tight end with a more traditional profile and potential to grow into a bigger role.
Why Tagging Still Makes Sense - For Now
Here’s where things get interesting. The Titans have plenty of cap space, so affordability isn’t the issue.
This isn’t about whether they can tag Okonkwo - it’s about whether they should. And from a short-term perspective, there’s a compelling case to be made.
Brian Daboll’s offensive system leans on versatile pass-catchers who can create mismatches and keep defenses guessing. Think back to how Daboll used players like Wan’Dale Robinson or Dalton Kincaid - guys who aren’t necessarily traditional at their position but force defenses to make uncomfortable choices. Okonkwo fits that mold.
And for Cam Ward, heading into his second year and learning a brand-new offense, continuity matters. Tagging Okonkwo would give Ward a familiar and trusted target as he continues to develop - a luxury not every young quarterback gets. It would also buy the front office time to work out a more manageable long-term deal, potentially in the $10-$12 million per year range over three seasons.
The Trade Winds Are Blowing
Still, the most likely outcome might not involve a franchise tag at all. If the Titans can’t strike a deal, the more pragmatic move could be to let Okonkwo walk or explore a tag-and-trade scenario. There’s already buzz that Tennessee is interested in veteran tight ends like David Njoku - players who offer a more complete skill set at the position and could fit better in Daboll’s long-term vision.
If the front office believes Gunnar Helm is ready to take the next step, moving on from Okonkwo could make sense - especially if they can recoup a mid-round draft pick in return. For a team in the midst of a rebuild, those picks matter. They’re the currency of a new era.
The Bottom Line
The Titans have the financial flexibility to keep Chig Okonkwo around for another year. But with a new coaching staff, a developing quarterback, and a roster in transition, the decision isn’t just about money - it’s about fit, future, and philosophy.
Okonkwo is a talented, unique weapon. But in a league where tight ends are increasingly asked to do everything - block, stretch the field, dominate in the red zone - his specialized skill set may be more valuable to a contender looking for a final piece than a rebuilding team trying to lay a new foundation.
Don’t be surprised if the Titans let him test the open market. And if he ends up thriving elsewhere, it won’t be because Tennessee didn’t recognize his talent - it’ll be because they’re trying to build something that requires a different kind of piece.