The Tennessee Titans officially added John Carroll University running back Tyren Montgomery to their roster as an undrafted free agent following the 2026 NFL Draft. The signing was announced by John Carroll University and marks a notable addition to the Titans' rookie class, particularly because Montgomery's name was not widely circulated in UDFA discussions.
Montgomery joins a Titans backfield already stocked with established veterans and other young hopefuls, but his signing highlights the team's commitment to finding versatile, high-effort players capable of contributing in multiple phases of the game.
Who Is Tyren Montgomery?
Tyren Montgomery is a product of John Carroll University, an NCAA Division III program competing in the Ohio Athletic Conference. While not a mainstream football powerhouse, John Carroll has developed an impressive pipeline of NFL talent in recent years, adding credibility to Montgomery's potential.
During his collegiate career, Montgomery demonstrated consistent production. He combined a reliable running style between the tackles with enough agility to bend plays outside when necessary. Though not the fastest athlete on the field, his decisiveness and ability to avoid negative plays stood out. This efficiency is especially critical when making the leap to the NFL, where mistakes are costly.
Montgomery also proved himself as a receiving threat, utilized frequently as a check-down target and occasionally split out wide. This versatility is essential for modern NFL backs who must contribute in the passing game. Moreover, Montgomery has special teams experience, having contributed on kick coverage and returns, a crucial pathway for an undrafted rookie to earn a spot on an NFL roster.
Adding Depth and Competition
Prior to Montgomery's signing, the Titans' undrafted free agent haul had drawn attention largely on the defensive side with players like linebacker James Wagner and defensive back Tre Beatty. Offensive additions in the UDFA class were quieter -- until Montgomery's confirmation.
Filling this offensive gap, Montgomery brings a unique combination of skills to Tennessee's running back room. The Titans boast a dynamic lead rusher, but depth behind him remains fluid. Several veterans and younger backs compete for backup roles, and Montgomery enters this competitive mix poised to make an impression.
The organization's front office and coaching staff emphasize competition at every roster level. Montgomery's blend of versatility, football intelligence, and team-first mindset could earn him valuable reps throughout training camp and preseason.
What Montgomery Brings to the Field
On tape, Montgomery runs with a low pad level and shows a willingness to engage defenders physically. He's not a burner in terms of speed, but his decisiveness and patience allow him to maximize yardage on given carries. When a hole opens, he hits it with conviction; when it doesn't, he has the judgment to wait for blocks and avoid tackles behind the line.
Pass protection is an area where Montgomery will need to adjust, especially given the jump in speed and complexity from Division III to the NFL. Recognizing blitzes and handling mixed defensive looks are vital skills he must develop to earn trust on third downs and passing situations.
His hands are reliable in the passing game. Montgomery rarely dropped passes in college and showed an ability to track and adjust to off-target throws. Given Tennessee's recent history of incorporating backs in the passing attack, his receiving skills add an extra layer of value to the offense.
Lastly, his special teams capabilities further strengthen his case. The ability to contribute on kick and punt coverage units often provides undrafted rookies with a tangible route to roster inclusion.
The Road Ahead: Competition and Opportunity
While Montgomery's path is not guaranteed, the Titans have a history of cultivating undrafted talent into meaningful contributors. The depth chart behind Tennessee's lead back is crowded but unsettled, offering an opening for players who can carve out a niche.
Montgomery's immediate goal will be to stand out in practices and preseason games. Explosive runs, reliable blocking, and special teams tackles in live games could distinguish him from his peers. Coaches have shown they value production during these opportunities and reward those who consistently make plays in all phases.
If Montgomery can prove capable of handling the demands of NFL play, particularly special teams coverage and receiving assignments, his chances of landing a spot on the 53-man roster or practice squad will increase. For a player from a small school, demonstrating adaptability and a strong work ethic is paramount.
Long-Term Outlook
The odds are intrinsically stacked against any undrafted free agent making a final roster in the NFL. Limited spots, emphasis on draft picks, and veteran presence make it a challenging environment. Still, Montgomery boasts the attributes that can defy those odds: versatility, consistent effort, and the ability to contribute where needed most.
Should he not make the active roster immediately, the practice squad represents a valuable developmental stage. Learning the NFL game speed and improving pass protection could eventually translate into a larger role.
No matter the immediate outcome, securing a contract with the Tennessee Titans provides Montgomery a meaningful platform. The work ethic and skills he displayed at John Carroll have earned him a chance -- and that opportunity is the starting block for many successful NFL stories.
Strategic Significance for the Titans
Montgomery's signing underscores how the Titans are careful and deliberate in their post-draft roster building. They seek players not merely to fill numbers but to add complementary skills and attitude. The focus on special teams and versatility aligns with the team's emphasis on competitiveness and adaptability throughout the roster.
Players like Montgomery, who combine production at smaller programs with a willingness to contribute in multiple roles, represent hidden gems that can provide depth and surprise impact over time.
Conclusion
Tennessee Titans fans should keep Tyren Montgomery on their radar as training camp approaches. Though an undrafted rookie from a Division III school, his combination of football instincts, versatility as a runner and receiver, and special teams experience make him a player with real upside.
His journey from John Carroll University to the Titans exemplifies the grind many players endure to reach the NFL. For Montgomery, the challenge now is to translate opportunity into performance and carve out a role in Tennessee's backfield and special teams units.
Welcome to Nashville, Tyren Montgomery. The hard work begins now.
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