Titans Add Punter, Defensive Tackle in Free Agency

Tennessee bolsters roster on second day of legal tampering period

Published on Mar. 11, 2026

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The Tennessee Titans continued their active free agency period, adding punter Tommy Townsend and defensive tackle Jordan Elliott on the second day of the legal tampering period. Townsend, formerly of the Chiefs and Texans, will replace the departing Johnny Hekker, while Elliott joins the team after spending last season with the 49ers.

Why it matters

The Titans have been one of the more aggressive teams in free agency so far, shoring up multiple positions of need as they look to build on last season's playoff appearance. Adding a proven punter in Townsend and a young defensive lineman in Elliott could pay dividends as the team aims to compete in the AFC South.

The details

Townsend, 26, averaged 47.6 yards per punt for the Texans in 2025, with a net average of 41.6 yards. He will replace the departed Johnny Hekker as the Titans' punter. Elliott, 25, was a third-round pick of the Browns in 2020 and spent last season with the 49ers, reuniting with new Titans defensive coordinator Robert Saleh.

  • The Titans agreed to the deals with Townsend and Elliott on March 11, 2026, the second day of the NFL's legal tampering period.
  • Free agency officially opens for signing on March 15, 2026.

The players

Tommy Townsend

A punter who has played for the Chiefs and Texans, and will now join the Titans to replace the departing Johnny Hekker.

Jordan Elliott

A defensive tackle who was originally a third-round pick of the Browns in 2020 and spent last season with the 49ers, reuniting with new Titans defensive coordinator Robert Saleh.

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What they’re saying

“Adding proven veterans like Tommy and Jordan will help strengthen our roster as we look to build on last season's success.”

— Mike Vrabel, Head Coach, Tennessee Titans (mainstreetmediatn.com)

What’s next

The Titans will continue to be active in free agency as they look to fill out their roster ahead of the 2026 season.

The takeaway

The Titans have been one of the more aggressive teams in free agency so far, making several key additions to bolster their roster and support their push for a playoff return in 2026.