Tyjae Spears

Tony Pollard was retained for 2026 on the final year of his $21.75M deal after back-to-back 1,000-yard rushing seasons. Pollard's incumbency caps Spears to roughly 16% carry share and 46% snap share — not a path to meaningful RB1 volume without an injury or depth-chart reset.

The Titans are deploying a near dead-even backfield split between Spears and veteran back Tony Pollard, with Pollard having played 95 snaps to Spears' 92 since Week 10. Spears is projected to enter the final year of his rookie contract in a backup role to Pollard in 2026.

Despite flashes of talent (26 forced missed tackles on just 45 receptions in 2025, tied with Bijan Robinson), Spears finished 2025 with just 283 rushing yards on 72 attempts and remains stuck in a near-even split with Pollard. Even late-season usage increases didn't fully solidify his role.

The Titans hold the #4 overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft and multiple credible mock drafts project them selecting Notre Dame RB Jeremiyah Love — a versatile, three-down back modeled after Jahmyr Gibbs. A Round 1 RB addition would instantly threaten Spears' roster viability given his expiring contract and limited carry share.

Both Spears and Pollard are pending free agents after 2026 with no reported extension talks, and writers expect it's hard to see either back in Nashville in 2027 — leaving Spears' 2027 home and role entirely unknown.

Spears remains the clear No. 2 behind Tony Pollard, who sits atop the depth chart, and the season-long usage (46% snaps, 16% carry share, 8.6 PPG, PPR RB44) confirms a capped committee role rather than a featured back.

Pollard dealt with an ankle sprain toward the end of the year, but he missed only one game in 2025. His soft-tissue durability concerns remain valid, and if extended injury occurs, Spears would become the clear featured back.

Multiple reports identify Pollard as a likely cut candidate, which would vault Spears into a featured role. With Kalel Mullings valued at just 1152.0, Spears would have minimal competition if Pollard departs.

Pollard is 28 in his final contract year and has a documented injury history; if he misses time, Spears is the immediate sole heir to lead-back snaps and targets, creating a major value spike scenario.

Spears has recorded 28 catches for 173 yards on 30 targets across eight games, earning at least five targets in three straight weeks. Spears has some PPR appeal in a split backfield, and his pass-catching ability differentiates him from Pollard.

Titans coach Brian Callahan expressed hope for a more balanced approach in Year 2, stating 'In a perfect world, it's a healthier division of labor [between Pollard and Spears]'. New coaching staff may adjust the split further in Spears' favor.

Pollard turns 29 in 2026 on his expiring deal, and the Titans can save $7.25M by cutting him post-June 1. If Tennessee does not make a premium RB investment in the draft and moves on from Pollard after the season, Spears would be the incumbent entering 2027 — though this window is contingent on no Round 1 RB drafted.