The following is an excerpt from Warren Sharp's 2026 Football Preview. In addition to Warren's deep, detailed write-up on all 32 NFL teams, each chapter features page after page of full-color charts, stats, and heatmaps, as well as defensive analysis from Raymond Summerlin. Click here for a full FREE chapter from the 2026 Football Preview.
With the 2026 NFL season fast approaching, let's look at the defense of the Tennessee Titans and preview how it might perform this season.
Tennessee Titans 2026 Defense Preview: A Unit-by-Unit Breakdown
Tennessee ranked just 20th in yards per carry allowed to running backs last season (4.3), but they were first in yards before contact allowed per carry on those runs. After trading T’Vondre Sweat in the deal that brought in Jermaine Johnson, the Titans spent big in free agency to add John Franklin-Myers. Franklin-Myers could end up playing more on the outside with the Titans than he did in Denver, but he should bring pass rush wherever he lines up. Jeffery Simmons remains one of the best defensive linemen in the league, and the team spent a first-round pick on Keldric Faulk.
The Titans ranked 18th in pressure rate last season and finished 12th with 42 sacks. Tennessee’s trend of bringing in familiar players continued when they traded for Jermaine Johnson, who was drafted by Saleh’s New York Jets. Johnson missed most of the 2024 season due to a torn Achilles, and he struggled to produce in 2025. A second-round pick last year, Femi Oladejo missed most of his rookie season with a broken leg. The Titans did add Jacob Martin in free agency, who has had productive seasons including 5.5 sacks for the Commanders last year, but he is a journeyman.
Both of Tennessee’s primary linebackers from last season are back for 2026, but they also made a big addition with Anthony Hill Jr. in the second round. A 2024 fourth-round pick, Cedric Gray made the leap in his second season. Cody Barton did not have as much success in his first season with the Titans, taking a step back across the board against the run. There is a real path to Hill earning a starting spot as a rookie.
The Titans finished dead last in yards per pass attempt allowed (8.2) last season, 27th in touchdown rate allowed (5.8%), and 29th in explosive play rate allowed (10.4%). Unsurprisingly, Tennessee made addressing the secondary a key part of their offseason plan, signing Alontae Taylor, Cor’Dale Flott, and Joshua Williams. Williams was a bigger factor on special teams last season with the Chiefs, but he allowed just 6.1 yards per target during his four seasons in Kansas City. Taylor and Flott should be the clear starters, and Williams could push Marcus Harris for a role.
Amani Hooker returns at safety for his eighth season in Tennessee. He struggled in 2025 but has played better football in the past. The Titans will hope the new coaching staff can get more out of him. They will also hope for more from 2025 third-round pick Kevin Winston, who suffered a preseason injury that limited the start of his NFL career and then was lost for the season in December. Another former Jet joined the team in free agency, with Tony Adams added to the safety room.
This analysis continues in the 2026 Football Preview
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Warren Sharp’s 600+ page full-color PDF, the 2026 Football Preview, is unlike anything you have read. Stunning visualizations, including new heat maps and stat pages, are built with the reader in mind. Innovative, next-level thought processes abound in every team chapter and article.
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