The Tennessee Titans entered the offseason arguably needing to upgrade at running back. Both Tony Pollard and Tyjae Spears are entering contract years and probably won’t be here in 2027. Despite spending roughly $300 million in free agency, GM Mike Borgonzi did not make any notable moves at running back.
The lone signing arrived earlier this week, when they added a back-end roster type in Michael Carter, reuniting him with Robert Saleh. The lack of notable activity at running back has many thinking
the Titans will draft Notre Dame’s Jeremiyah Love at No. 4 overall. ESPN’s latest mock has the Titans bypassing a chance to take Love in favor of EDGE David Bailey.
Pollard was viewed as a potential cap casualty heading into the offseason. The Titans cut players like L’Jarius Sneed and Lloyd Cushenberry. Despite saving over $7 million by releasing Pollard, the Titans have decided to retain him (thus far).
It’s worth noting Pollard shouldn’t be grouped with Cushenberry and Sneed. Those players were very disappointing. Meanwhile Pollard has met the expectations of his Titans contract, earning consecutive 1,000-yard rushing seasons.
If the Titans select Love at No. 4, they’ll still possess the flexibility to release Pollard after the NFL Draft. It’s a debate worth discussing. Pollard is a quality NFL player the Titans shouldn’t give away for nothing. Perhaps they’d receive a 2027 pick-swap trade offer.
The Titans could retain Pollard to ease the immediate pressure placed on Love. It would also depend on Pollard’s approach to the situation. Would he potentially request to be released if the Titans drafted Love, so he could find a bigger role elsewhere?
The Titans would have A LOT of money tied up at running back, because selecting Love at No. 4 would immediately make him one of the highest-paid backs in the league. That could influence them to release Pollard. On the other hand, they currently have about $60 million in cap space and don’t necessarily need the $7 million they’d receive by cutting Pollard.
It’s a debate worth having.
