Welcome to Music City Miracles’ Tennessee Titans 2026 NFL Free Agency Primer! The negotiating window period begins on March 9th, but the Titans are able to re-sign their own free agents before then. General manager Mike Borgonzi is equipped with more than $100 million in cap space and will collaborate with new head coach Robert Saleh on their shared vision for the 2026 Titans.
The Titans are currently scheduled to possess 29 free agents (19 unrestricted), including several key starters and role players. Over the next few weeks, we’ll take an in-depth look at each free agent and provide arguments for why the Titans should, or shouldn’t re-sign that player. We’ll also offer our final verdict and a prediction to go along with our analysis.
Today, we’re analyzing starting right guard Kevin Zeitler.
Why the Titans should re-sign Zeitler
Zeitler was among the best pass-protecting guards in the NFL last season. Pro Football Focus only credited him with allowing four sacks and 16 pressures, and he had one of the lowest pressure-rates allowed at guard. The Titans’ offensive line displayed legitimate progression late in the 2025 campaign. They should be interested in ensuring continuity for Cam Ward.
Why the Titans should let Zeitler walk
Zeitler turns 36 in March. The rebuilding Titans should sign or draft a long-term solution at right guard. Zeitler will be retired when this Titans rebuild is complete. Getting ready to contend annually means finding multi-year solutions. Father Time will make him an ineffective blocker eventually.
Projected Contract
Spotrac projects Zeitler to sign a one-year contract worth $9.2 million. That’s extremely similar to the $9 million the Titans paid him via a one-year deal last offseason. It’s a bargain considering the production the Titans received out of Zeitler during the 2025 season.
Final verdict
The Titans should re-sign Zeitler if he’s interested in playing for another year. He’s still one of the most reliable and consistent pass-protecting guards in the NFL. Ward and the Titans offense showcased legitimate progress late, largely due to the offensive line’s dominance late. Keeping Zeitler would be huge.
Prediction
The Titans re-sign Zeitler to another one-year contract.