NFL Free Agency: Should the Titans re-sign DE Jihad Ward?

It’s the last week of 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. We’re continuing to 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 defensive end Jihad Ward.

Why the Titans should re-sign Ward

Ward was among the Titans’ most surprise performers in 2025. The veteran defensive end notched five sacks and 48 pressures. Ward was a well-balanced defender as a pass rusher and run stopper, and stepped up to the plate when the team traded Dre’Mont Jones, and injuries to Arden Key and Femi Oladejo forced him to play more.

Why the Titans should let Ward walk

Ward is a 10-year veteran who has reached his ceiling as a rotational defender. The Titans, equipped with a league-leading amount of cap space, should aim to get younger and more dynamic at EDGE this offseason. Ward played a useful role, but improvement is required around Jeffery Simmons.

Projected Contract

Spotrac projects Ward to sign a one-year, $4.1 million contract in free agency this offseason. That’s a significant raise from the $1.4 million the Titans paid him last offseason. Ward’s statistical improvements in 2025 could lead to a robust market.

Final verdict

The Titans should re-sign Ward. Borgonzi needs to acquire two starting-caliber pass rushers this offseason, but Ward is capable of competing for rotational snaps behind them with Harrell and Oladejo. The latter two shouldn’t be handed anything on draft merit alone.

Prediction

The Titans re-sign Ward to another one-year contract.