Welcome to Music City Miracles’ Tennessee Titans 2026 NFL Free Agency Primer! The negotiating window period begins on March 9th, but the Titans are able to re-sign their own free agents before then. General manager Mike Borgonzi is equipped with more than $100 million in cap space and will collaborate with new head coach Robert Saleh on their shared vision for the 2026 Titans.
The Titans are currently scheduled to possess 29 free agents (19 unrestricted), including several key starters and role players.
Over the next few weeks, we’ll take an in-depth look at each free agent and provide arguments for why the Titans should, or shouldn’t re-sign that player. We’ll also offer our final verdict and a prediction to go along with our analysis.
Today, we’re analyzing punter Johnny Hekker.
Why the Titans should re-sign Hekker
Johnny Hekker was signed by the Titans last offseason partially due to his familiarity with special teams coordinator John “Bones” Fassel. Hekker was a fairly reliable punter for the Titans. He finished 19th among punters in gross average yards (46.8) and 17th in punts placed inside the 20 (22).
Why the Titans should let Hekker walk
Those are league-average numbers for a declining 36-year-old punter. Could the Titans get younger and more dynamic at the position? Even if they re-sign Hekker, they should bring in competition via an undrafted free agent.
Projected Contract
Spotrac does not have a projected contract for Hekker. Last offseason, he signed a one-year deal with the Titans worth $1,422,500. One would have to assume Hekker will be available on a similar contract this offseason.
Final verdict
We’re torn. If the Titans re-sign Hekker, they should push him in training camp with a younger leg, sort of how Ryan Stonehouse pushed out Brett Kern a few offseasons ago. Hekker’s chances of being re-signed increased once Robert Saleh retained Fassel as special teams coordinator.
Prediction
The Titans re-sign Hekker to another one-year contract.
