Titans' Gunnar Helm named a potential breakout candidate for 2026

[ASFN Admin]

In a little over two weeks, rookies will report to Tennessee Titans training camp, and the start of the 2026 regular season will be right around the corner. The Titans will be looking for a quick turnaround after three dismal seasons.

If the Titans want that to happen, they will need some players to take significant steps forward. While many will point to quarterback Cam Ward as the team's potential breakout player, Ben Solak of ESPN believes it will be another second-year player.

Tennessee TitansGunnar Helm, TE

Big Gunnar Helm guy here. He has the tools of an NFL starter -- length, size, speed, ball skills above the rim/away from his frame and toughness through contact. If he's an A-plus in any one trait, it's his ability to track and adjust to the football. He makes the sort of tough downfield catches a tight end needs to make in order to become an explosive-play receiver.

Helm won't lead the Titans in receptions given their offseason investments in Wan'Dale Robinson and Carnell Tate. But he is a QB-friendly third option in the passing game who can move the needle as a blocker if his technique improves to match the physical toolkit. The lightbulb was starting to go on last season, and as more eyes turn to Tennessee this season, I think he'll have national recognition by this time next year.

Helm did flash his potential in 2025 and has somewhat flown under the radar throughout the offseason. Helm finished the season as arguably the Titans' top tight end and was more consistent than Chig Okonkwo on a game-in, game-out basis. Now, as the true top tight end on the roster, he should have every opportunity to take the next step in his development.

This article originally appeared on Titans Wire: Titans' Gunnar Helm named a potential breakout candidate for 2026

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