Titans Are LOWERING Expectations for 2026 — Here's Why

The Tennessee Titans may be starting to lower expectations for the 2026 season. Following roster cuts and waiver claims, Titans general manager Mike Borgonzi and head coach Robert Saleh both spoke about the state of the franchise — and Buck Reising believes their comments reveal that Tennessee may not be nearly as far along as the organization initially hoped. Borgonzi was asked whether the bar for success in 2026 is simply seeing general improvement from a young roster rather than truly competing. His answer was notably measured, acknowledging that while every team wants to win every game, that isn't necessarily a realistic expectation for where the Titans currently are. Saleh has also repeatedly emphasized the youth on Tennessee's roster. He has described what the Titans have shown during training camp and the preseason as the team's "floor," while also saying that there is no excuse for the team and that the Titans need to get great very quickly. Buck breaks down that apparent change in tone. The Titans entered the offseason with plenty of optimism surrounding a new coaching staff, a new front office and No. 1 overall pick Cam Ward. But after seeing the roster through training camp and the preseason, Buck believes the organization is beginning to recognize that this team remains a significant work in progress. That includes Ward. Buck discusses why he believes Ward is still very much a developmental quarterback and why Titans fans should not automatically expect him to become Joe Burrow, Baker Mayfield or another highly successful first-round quarterback immediately. Ward can develop into the franchise quarterback Tennessee needs, but there is also a possibility that his path to success could take longer than expected. The bigger issue, however, is the Titans as a whole. If Tennessee wins six games in 2026, should that really be viewed as a successful season? Buck argues that it would be deeply embarrassing for a franchise that has struggled so badly in recent years, even if the current regime views that kind of improvement as meaningful progress. So what exactly are the Titans expecting from 2026? Are Mike Borgonzi and Robert Saleh simply being realistic about a young roster, or are they quietly acknowledging that Tennessee isn't as far along as it hoped to be? Buck Reising breaks down the Titans' changing expectations, the organization's messaging and what it means for Tennessee heading into the 2026 season. 0:00 The Titans are lowering expectations for 2026 1:54 Mike Borgonzi's realistic view of the Titans 4:10 Robert Saleh's message on the young roster 7:27 Why the Titans' tone has changed 8:44 What lowered expectations really mean Play A to Z Sports Daily Games: https://atozsports.com/games For MORE TITANS COVERAGE follow us here: www.atozsports.com/nashville Podcasts: www.atozsports.com/podcasts Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/atozsportsna... Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/atozsports/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/AtoZSports TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@atozsportsnas... #Titans #TennesseeTitans #NFLFootball