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One Objective on the Titans' Line Gives a Clear Answer at Right Guard
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- One Objective on the Titans' Line Gives a Clear Answer at Right Guard
The Tennessee Titans have several position battles unfolding throughout training camp and the preseason, and no official decisions have been made. Some competitions are beginning to take shape and provide a clearer picture of where the roster stands.
One of those battles is at right guard. It is a position many believe is closer than it actually appears. This competition will ultimately be decided by a variety of factors , but the Titans have one primary goal in mind.
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Cam Ward's 55 Sacks Force the Titans' Right Guard Decision
Denver Broncos linebacker Nik Bonitto (15) sacks Tennessee Titans quarterback Cam Ward (1) on Sept. 7, 2025.Ron Chenoy-Imagn Images
The focus of this position battle shouldn't be limited to improving the rushing attack. Instead, it should center on protecting franchise quarterback Cam Ward , who was sacked a league-high 55 times last season. This is a number the Titans simply can't afford to repeat if they hope to improve on last year's three-win campaign. Strengthening the offensive line will be critical to giving Ward the time he needs to develop and the offense a chance to succeed.
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This opens the question: who is ready to rise to the occasion? When it comes to Jackson Slater, there are still plenty of question marks. The young guard remains a raw prospect with significant untapped potential , but he has yet to consistently showcase those abilities throughout his 2025 campaign or during the early stages of training camp.
As a result, Slater currently profiles more as a high-upside player with some risk attached, rather than a proven option who can immediately help the Titans move the chains in 2026.
On the other side of the competition is former Cincinnati Bengals guard Cordell Volson. With Volson, the Titans have a clearer understanding of what they are getting , as there is enough film to suggest he is unlikely to develop into an elite guard or even a consistently above-average option.
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At best, Volson represents a reliable stopgap solution for the present, but he does not appear to be the long-term answer to the issues the Titans have faced at right guard. The Titans could view him as a temporary piece while continuing to search for a more permanent solution at the position.
This seems like the likely answer, leaving little room for Slater to take over as a starting guard.
Why Cordell Volson Beats Out Jackson Slater at Right Guard
Jun 16, 2026; Nashville, TN, USA; Tennessee Titans guard Jackson Slater (64) goes through drills during day 1 of mini-camp at Vanderbilt Health Football Center. Mandatory Credit: Steve Roberts-Imagn ImagesIMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect
The only realistic scenario that would result in Slater becoming the Titans' starting guard is if the team truly believes he can be the long-term solution at the position. The Titans have little reason to move away from the stability they know with Volson and take a risk that could expose their quarterback to more pressure, unless they have strong confidence that Slater can become a reliable piece on the offensive line for years to come.
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If the Titans do believe that, then the decision becomes a clear-cut no-brainer. However, as training camp continues to progress, it appears increasingly unlikely that Slater has done enough to earn that level of trust.
This story was originally published by Athlon Sports on Aug 2, 2026, where it first appeared in the NFL section. Add Athlon Sports as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
