NASHVILLE, Tenn. -- The Tennessee Titans open the 2026 NFL regular season against the New York Jets on Sept. 13 at Nissan Stadium. But first, they play the final game of the preseason Saturday (6 p.m. ET, NFL Network) against the Chicago Bears and then must cut their roster to 53 players by 6 p.m. ET on Sunday.
So who will make the team? Which positions have tough decisions on deck? And where might the lineup be deepest and thinnest this season?
General manager Mike Borgonzi wanted to add talent to help aide second-year quarterback Cam Ward. They added receivers Wan'Dale Robinson (four years, $70 million) and Carnell Tate (No. 4 overall pick), and they have performed well at times during camp and could be vital parts of the passing game. The defense starts with the front where 2025 All-Pro Jeffery Simmons pairs with newly signed free agent John Franklin-Myers. But what was supposed to be an improved back end has raised question marks instead, especially with high-priced free agent additions in Cor'Dale Flott and Alontae Taylor.
Here is our projection for the 53-man roster for the Titans.
Quarterbacks (2)
Ward should benefit from playing under offensive coordinator Brian Daboll. Having Trubisky, who has played in the scheme before and knows what it's like to be charged with carrying an organization's hope for the future will provide a good source of experience. Carrying two quarterbacks will most likely signal the end for Will Levis' time in Nashville.
Running backs (4)
Tony Pollard, Tyjae Spears, Nicholas Singleton, Kalel Mullings
Spears and Pollard are in contract years as they gear up to split the bulk of the carries. Singleton had a solid start to camp and could claim a feature role in the future. The fourth spot came down to Mullings or Julius Chestnut with youth giving Mullings the edge.
Wide receivers (6)
Calvin Ridley, Wan'Dale Robinson, Carnell Tate, Chimere Dike, Elic Ayomanor, Bryce Oliver
Tate is a future No.1 receiver while Robinson works the slot. Ayomanor has had the best camp for the receivers. Oliver and veteran K.J. Osborn jockeyed for the final spot, but Oliver's special teams value is too great to leave off the roster.
Tight ends (4)
Gunnar Helm, Daniel Bellinger, David Martin-Robinson, Kylen Granson
Helm ascended to TE1 in only his second NFL season. Bellinger presents another option in the passing game. Robinson and Granson are more athletic options that can play H-back and contribute on special teams.
Offensive linemen (10)
Dan Moore Jr., Peter Skoronski, Austin Schlottmann, Fernando Carmona, JC Latham, Brandon Crenshaw-Dickson, Jackson Slater, Pat Coogan, Austin Deculus, Cordell Volson
This group had the most question marks heading into camp. Center and guard are still questionable after Schlottmann and Carmona are looking to prove themselves after earning the starting center and right guard spots. Crenshaw-Dickson is the swing tackle.
Defensive linemen (10)
Jeffery Simmons, John Franklin-Myers, Jermaine Johnson II, Jordan Elliott, Keldric Faulk, Oluwafemi Oladejo, Solomon Thomas, Jackie Marshall, Jacob Martin, Khalen Saunders
The front line is the best unit on the team. Saleh wants a deep rotation along the line, so they keep 10 defensive linemen. Johnson and Martin lead a young group of outside pass rushers.
Linebackers (4)
Cedric Gray, Cody Barton, Anthony Hill Jr., James Williams Sr.
Any of these four are capable of starting. Both Hill and Williams were camp standouts.
Cornerbacks (6)
Cor'Dale Flott, Alontae Taylor, Marcus Harris, Joshua Williams, Micah Robinson, Mario Goodrich III
The cornerback room has been remade with Flott and Taylor leading the way. Goodrich was a late addition, but he edged out Keydrain Calligan for the final cornerback slot.
Safeties (4)
Amani Hooker, Kevin Winston Jr., Tony Adams, Jerrick Reed II
Winston could blossom into a playmaker as he heads into Year 2, and Reed edged out Erick Hallett II for the fourth safety role.
Special teams (3)
Joey Slye (K), Tommy Townsend (P), Morgan Cox (LS)
Cox is back for his 17th season. Townsend takes over the punter role after coming over from the Chiefs.