Titans General Manager Mike Borgonzi hinted this week that he wants cornerback Jaylon Ward to earn the starting nod in Week One, signaling a strong internal push for accountability and performance-based roles. While many assumed Ward’s offseason acquisition all but guaranteed him a starting job, Borgonzi’s comments suggest otherwise. “We brought him in for a reason,” Borgonzi said during a press conference on Monday. “But we want to see him push himself through camp, through every rep. Nothing’s handed out here.”
The Titans, who finished near the bottom of the league in pass defense last season, made secondary improvement a priority heading into the 2025 campaign. Ward, known for his speed and physicality at the line of scrimmage, was expected to inject much-needed aggression into Tennessee’s defense. But his transition has not been seamless. Coaches have praised his work ethic but emphasized the depth of competition in the defensive backfield.
With rising talent emerging from the draft and a few veterans still fighting for spots, Ward’s presumed starting role is no longer a lock. Defensive coordinator Jim Schwartz echoed Borgonzi’s message, saying, “We want guys who not only fit our scheme but also show that they want it more than anyone else.”
Ward himself appears to be embracing the challenge. “I’ve never backed down from competition,” he said in a locker room interview. “If they want me to earn it, I’ll earn it.”
As training camp approaches, all eyes will be on Ward’s performance. Whether he seizes the opportunity or opens the door for others, one thing is clear: under Borgonzi’s leadership, the Titans are building a culture where effort and accountability come first.
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