The Tennessee Titans are bolstering their defensive line this offseason with a key free agent acquisition. On March 10, 2026, the Titans agreed to terms with defensive tackle Jordan Elliott on a two-year deal worth up to $8.5 million, including incentives, according to ESPN's Adam Schefter and confirmed by NBC Sports' ProFootballTalk. The base value of the deal stands at $8 million.
This signing reunites Elliott with Tennessee's head coach Robert Saleh, who previously served as the defensive coordinator for the San Francisco 49ers, where Elliott spent the 2025 season. This move adds an experienced and versatile piece to the Titans' defensive front as they prepare for the 2026 campaign.
Addressing Tennessee's Defensive Tackle Needs
The Titans prioritized strengthening their defensive interior this offseason. While they have promising young talent, the defensive tackle position required depth and reliable veteran presence after departures from last year's roster. Elliott offers exactly that--a physical, disciplined defensive tackle with the ability to disrupt opposing rushing attacks, a necessity in the AFC South's rugged run environments.
Elliott stands 6-foot-4 and weighs 315 pounds, a prototype size for a defensive tackle in today's NFL. He is capable of lining up both as a 1-technique head-up on the center and a 3-technique shaded outside the guard, providing defensive coordinator Gus Bradley with flexibility to deploy various fronts and sub-packages. His familiarity with Saleh's defensive scheme situates him for a seamless integration into Tennessee's defense.
Contract Details and Value
The two-year contract reportedly includes incentives that could raise its value to $8.5 million but has a baseline value of $8 million. This structure is typical for a dependable rotational player who is expected to earn significant snaps and possibly compete for starting time depending on team needs and performance. The deal reflects a cost-conscious approach by Tennessee general manager Mike Borgonzi, aiming to maximize roster talent without excessive salary cap commitment at this position.
For Elliott, the move offers stability and an opportunity to contribute immediately in a known system. Drafted by the Cleveland Browns in 2020, Elliott has built his NFL career on steady production rather than flashy statistics. His move from the 49ers to Tennessee reunites him with a coaching staff that knows his strengths and aspirations, which is likely to translate into a meaningful role on the roster.
Jordan Elliott's Impact and Role
Though not a prolific sack artist, Elliott's value lies in his ability to hold his ground against the run, occupy blockers, and generate pressure from the interior line. In 2025 with San Francisco, Elliott contributed as part of a strong defensive line rotation that prioritized balance between run defense and pass rush.
His expertise in gap discipline and ability to clog lanes will be vital for the Titans, who face formidable rushing attacks weekly within their division, including the Indianapolis Colts and Houston Texans. Elliott's presence brings veteran leadership and situational savvy for a defensive line group that will look to set the physical tone in the trenches.
Robert Saleh's defensive philosophy centers on fundamentals and multiple players executing assigned roles effectively, and Elliott's prior knowledge of those expectations makes him a key locker room and on-field mentor. His experience will help accelerate the development of younger linemen and foster cohesion across rotations.
Broader Context of the Signing
This signing is part of a broader strategy by the Titans front office to build a robust and versatile defense that complements Saleh's vision. Mike Borgonzi and Robert Saleh, with their shared history from San Francisco, appear focused on bringing in players familiar with their schemes, streamlining the building of a competitive roster.
Rather than pursuing marquee defensive tackles demanding large contracts, the Titans have opted for efficiency and fit--a player like Jordan Elliott who fits specific tactical needs at a reasonable cost. This approach preserves cap space for other critical roster allocations, such as offensive line reinforcements or secondary upgrades.
While this does not close the chapter on Tennessee's defensive line moves, Elliott's signing is a solid initial step toward a stronger frontline. Fans can expect the Titans to continue shaping a physical, disciplined unit that can stymie opponents' run games and generate interior pass pressure.
Next Steps
Elliott's signing is pending a physical, which is standard procedure for any NFL free agent signing. Assuming he passes, Elliott will officially join the Titans' roster and begin preparations for the upcoming offseason program.
As the Titans aim to climb the AFC South standings, adding a player like Jordan Elliott--who brings depth, versatility, and a cultural fit with the coaching staff--could prove pivotal. This signing signals the team's commitment to evolving their defense with pieces tailor-made for their system under Robert Saleh.
With the 2026 NFL Draft approaching and free agency in full swing, the Titans are methodically constructing a roster capable of competing at a high level. Jordan Elliott's addition adds a notable dimension to the defensive front, setting a foundation for what Tennessee hopes will be a return to playoff contention this fall.