The Tennessee Titans aren't typically the kind of team that gets primetime games, at least not lately.

They ended last season with a 3-14 record at last place in the AFC South.

But the Titans want to prove they're relevant again. They haven't earned the respect of the league to that point yet, but quarterback Cam Ward could be their answer.

Ward's rookie year with the Titans wasn't strong, but that wasn't entirely his fault. It really wasn't his fault much at all. He didn't have a lot of offensive weapons around him. It's hard for any quarterback to deliver without proper offensive targets, let alone a rookie quarterback.

During the 2025 season, Ward clocked 3,117 passing yards, which is promising for a quarterback without solid players around him.

Michael Middlehurst-Schwartz of USA Today gives Ward props for being an entertaining player to watch last season. He thinks that will continue this season, too.

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"For all of Cam Ward's pervasive rookie struggles, the 2025 No. 1 pick was hardly boring," he says. "If the risk-embracing quarterback can make his wild on-the-move throws a flourish rather than the core feature of the Titans' offense, a considerable leap could be ahead in Year 2. Despite all the offseason spending spree that reshaped the roster, Tennessee still seems like a team that's a year out from truly taking off."

Titans' Cam Ward Could Bloom in 2026

While it's true that the Titans are still far off from really being a contender in the NFL, Ward helps. He brings excitement and hope to this team that hasn't had either much the last few seasons.

The Titans have given more resources to help Ward, too. Even though his offensive line still needs work, that should help him lead this team to a better record. It's hard to go below 3-14, but expect Ward and the Titans to have a noticeably better record in 2026.

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Either way, Ward is a budding quarterback to watch. He doesn't get the benefit of walking into a winning team, but that doesn't take away from his talent.