The Tennessee Titans made some pretty major changes at tight end this offseason. Unsurprisingly, Chig Okonkwo departed the team in free agency. The plan is for sophomore tight end Gunnar Helm to step into a larger role. New offensive coordinator Brian Daboll also brings Daniel Bellinger with him from the New York Giants. The Titans appeased Daboll by signing Bellinger to a three-year, $24 million contract.
Helm and Bellinger project to carry massive workloads for the Titans at tight end in 2026. General manager Mike Borgonzi added multiple additional options throughout the offseason. It should lead to a fierce position battle at training camp for the third (and possibly fourth?) spot on the depth chart.
Even after signing Bellinger, the Titans also added Kylen Granson via a one-year contract in free agency. Granson isn’t assured a roster spot, but he’s a sixth-year pro with 93 career receptions. He’s certainly in the mix to make the initial 53-man roster.
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The Titans also used their final draft pick on Oklahoma tight end Jaren Kanak. The former linebacker showcased a surprising amount of upside and athleticism after undergoing the position switch last offseason. Kanank also projects as an excellent special teams player, which may have John “Bones” Fassel standing on the table to keep him on the roster.
Former undrafted free agent darling David Martin-Robinson is also still on the offseason 90-man roster. Perhaps time is running out for Martin-Robinson to establish himself with this organization. The Titans have praised his work ethic and improvement, but he’ll face increased competition for his roster spot this summer.
Helm and Bellinger will dominate snaps at tight end in Daboll’s offense. Will the Titans end up retaining three or four playmakers at the position? Granson, Martin-Robinson, and Kanak all have viable claims to 53-man roster spots. It should make for interesting training camp practices at tight end.
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