The Tennessee Titans are hitting the reset button this offseason-and they’re not wasting any time.
After parting ways with Brian Callahan midway through the 2025 campaign, the Titans made a bold move by hiring Robert Saleh as their new head coach. Saleh, known for his defensive acumen, comes fresh off a stint as San Francisco’s defensive coordinator, and before that, a rollercoaster tenure as head coach of the New York Jets. Now, he’s tasked with reshaping a Titans defense that’s in desperate need of an identity.
One potential piece of that puzzle? Edge rusher Jaelan Phillips.
Phillips, who split his 2025 season between the Dolphins and Eagles, is set to hit free agency in March. And with Tennessee projected to have the most effective cap space in the NFL-roughly $100 million-they’re in prime position to make a splash.
According to projections, Phillips could command a deal north of $17 million annually over three years. For a team with both the financial flexibility and a glaring need on the edge, this feels like a natural fit.
Now, let’s talk production. On the surface, Phillips’ 2025 stat line-53 tackles, seven tackles for loss, and five sacks-might not jump off the page.
But dig a little deeper, and the story changes. He finished tied for ninth in the league in total pressures and posted an impressive 18.8% pressure rate.
That’s elite territory. Pro Football Focus gave him a 74.0 overall grade, ranking him 34th among 115 qualified edge defenders.
Simply put, Phillips was consistently disruptive, even if the sack totals didn’t reflect it.
Originally a first-round pick by Miami in 2021, Phillips has racked up 205 tackles, 28 sacks, and 32 tackles for loss over 63 career games. He’s long been viewed as a high-upside pass rusher, and while injuries have slowed his momentum at times, his ability to generate pressure has never been in question.
The Titans are heading into free agency with major decisions to make at edge rusher. Both Jihad Ward and Arden Key are set to hit the market, leaving a void in the front seven.
Phillips would not only fill that gap-he could thrive in it. Under Saleh, who’s built his coaching reputation on maximizing defensive talent, Phillips might finally find the system that unlocks his full potential.
What makes this an intriguing match is that Phillips has never played under a defensive-minded head coach at the NFL level. That changes in Tennessee.
Saleh’s track record with pass rushers-from Nick Bosa in San Francisco to Quinnen Williams in New York-speaks for itself. If he can tap into Phillips’ raw athleticism and refine his technique, the Titans could be looking at a cornerstone piece for their defensive rebuild.
The Titans have the cap space, the need, and now the coach. Don’t be surprised if Jaelan Phillips ends up in two-tone blue this offseason-and don’t be surprised if he flourishes there.