When Robert Saleh stood at the podium during the 2026 offseason organized team activities (OTAs) this week and confirmed that Tony Pollard and Tyjae Spears remain the Tennessee Titans' primary running back duo, he was doing more than settling a depth chart. He was placing a bet on continuity over flash, on a two-man rotation that has quietly become one of the more intriguing backfield narratives in the AFC South.
For Spears, the message lands with the weight of a contract year.
Saleh, entering his second season as the Titans' head coach, didn't mince words. Pollard is the veteran workhorse, the 1,082-yard rusher from 2025 who carried the ball 242 times and proved he can absorb a full-season workload. Spears is the change-of-pace complement, the explosive third-down back with receiving skills but has yet to string together the consistent stretches that define a lead back. Saleh called Spears a player "looking for consistency heading into the season," underscoring the critical nature of the upcoming year for the young back.
Spears' 2025 numbers illustrate the challenge ahead. His 45 receptions for 264 yards highlighted his ability as a receiving threat, a skill that offensive coordinator Brian Daboll, himself known for versatile backfield usage, highly values. However, his 72 carries for 283 yards (3.93 yards per carry) and two rushing touchdowns reflect a running back who hasn't fully captured a commanding role between the tackles. In today's NFL, where running backs face increasing positional volatility, Spears' next steps will be pivotal.
Drafted in the third round in 2023, Spears has flashed glimpses of promise but has yet to grasp full-time lead-back consistency. Such flashes don't secure contract extensions; steady production does. The Titans' coaching staff and front office appear united in their expectation that Spears demonstrate that steadiness in 2026.
The backfield dynamics are further layered by contract considerations. Pollard, 29, is also playing in a contract year of sorts. His 2025 season--featuring a 1,082-yard rushing output alongside 33 receptions--was solid, if not spectacular, for a veteran on his second year of a multi-year deal signed in 2024. At an age when running backs traditionally exhibit physical decline, Saleh has publicly committed to Pollard as the team's primary ball carrier, signaling confidence in his durability and leadership.
Meanwhile, the Titans' spring 2026 draft added Penn State's Nick Singleton in the fifth round. As a rookie, Singleton isn't an immediate threat to Pollard or Spears, but represents a cost-effective insurance policy. If either incumbent falters or suffers injury, Singleton will push for opportunities down the line. For Spears, that reality sharpens the stakes: this is the year to prove he is the long-term answer or risk the team looking elsewhere.
Spears' 2025 workload and efficiency metrics point to areas requiring growth. His 72 carries were the fewest among meaningful contributors in the Titans backfield, and his 3.9 yards per carry lagged behind the league average, requiring a step forward. In the passing game, his 5.9 yards per reception were modest, heavily weighted toward checkdowns and short routes rather than explosive plays downfield--a notable regression compared with his rookie year average of 7.1 yards per catch.
While factors such as inconsistent quarterback play from Cam Ward and some offensive line unevenness may explain certain challenges--the second-year QB threw for 3,169 yards and 15 touchdowns in 2025 while the line remained a work in progress--the onus remains on Spears to perform, particularly in a contract year.
The upcoming season demands more from Spears: increased rushing volume and effectiveness, dependable pass protection, and consistency across all downs. Moving from 72 carries and 283 rushing yards to roughly doubling those figures would signal substantial progress and trust from coaches. More than just third-down passthroughs, Spears needs to earn his role as a three-down back.
Fortunately, Daboll's offensive philosophy aligns well with Spears' strengths. Known for effectively managing two-back rotations in Buffalo and New York, Daboll deploys backs situationally--power runners for early downs and receiving specialists on passing downs. This scheme could maximize Spears' receiving talents while encouraging growth as a between-the-tackles runner. If Spears secures the third-down role and adds robust rushing production, a 60-catch, 500-yard receiving season paired with 400-500 rushing yards is a realistic outlook--numbers that could position him for a solid second contract.
However, the Titans have depth and options if Spears does not meet expectations. Pollard remains the top back, and Michael Carter, a recent free agent signing, brings pass-catching capabilities. Kalel Mullings, drafted in 2025, presents a bigger, physical alternative. Singleton will continue vying for opportunities. This competitive environment underscores the need for Spears to elevate his game.
Saleh's recent comments thus resonate as a clear message: while Spears' talent is trusted, his spot is earned on merit and consistency. For a player who has battled inconsistencies and injuries early in his career, 2026 may define his tenure with the Titans.
For Pollard, the path is clearer but time-sensitive. At 29 years old and with over 1,600 career touches, he still delivers production but cannot rely on longevity alone. Maintaining 2025 production levels could net a short-term, performance-incentive-heavy contract extension. Decline, however, will prompt the Titans to accelerate transition plans.
Broadly, the Titans' outlook for 2026 is cautiously optimistic. With $49.47 million in projected salary cap space entering the year, General Manager Mike Borgonzi has flexibility to build around a returning core. The defense, led by coordinator Gus Bradley, retains key assets including Jeffery Simmons and a rejuvenated secondary. On offense, Daboll's unit returns with Cam Ward entering his second year as starting quarterback, Calvin Ridley established as the WR1, and promising young receivers like Chimere Dike and Elic Ayomanor ready to contribute.
If the running game--via Pollard, Spears, and the depth chart--can evolve from question mark to strength, the Titans could emerge as a more balanced and competitive team in the AFC South.
Ultimately, everything hinges on the Pollard-Spears duo stepping up. For Spears especially, 2026 is a pivotal contract year, a chance to translate talent and flashes into consistent, impactful production.
The Titans are willing to give Spears that opportunity but are prepared to move on if he does not deliver. The expectation is clear: flashes must become flames--steady and reliable.
My assessment: Tyjae Spears will surpass 700 total scrimmage yards in 2026, reaching at least 500 receiving yards and adding over 200 rushing yards. This level of production should secure a modest two-year, roughly $8 million extension with the Titans next offseason. Failure to achieve this benchmark could see the team part ways, positioning Pollard alongside Nick Singleton as the lead backs in 2027. The tools are there for Spears; the defining factor will be his consistency in seizing the opportunity.
