Titans place 2026 starting tight end hopes on Gunnar Helm following Okonkwo departure
With Chig Okonkwo gone and new additions in the mix, the organisation is trusting Gunnar Helm to lead the position group in the upcoming season.
The Tennessee Titans have confirmed that second-year tight end Gunnar Helm is attending Tight End University in Nashville for a three-day session this week. The event provides offseason training opportunities for players to refine their skills, and Helm’s return to the programme signals the club’s intent to accelerate his development ahead of the 2026 campaign.
Helm previously utilised the facility during his rookie season, where he credited the experience with significant improvements to his route-running and blocking techniques. He specifically noted learning route craft from veteran Travis Kelce and run-game blocking methods from George Kittle, skills he intends to integrate further into his game during this second attendance.
The move comes as the Titans look to solidify their offensive structure following the departure of Chig Okonkwo. The club did not re-sign the previous starter during the offseason, creating a vacancy for the primary tight end role. Helm, who established himself as a reliable target for quarterback Cam Ward last season, is now being trusted to assume the TE1 position heading into 2026.
Competition for playing time remains a factor, as the Titans have bolstered the tight end room with new personnel. The organisation added Daniel Bellinger and Kylan Granson via free agency and selected Jaren Kalek in the draft. Despite these additions, Helm’s progression is viewed as a critical component for the new-look Titans’ offensive strategy.
Helm’s ability to step into the starting role will be a key metric for the team’s performance in the coming season. His attendance at Tight End University represents a focused effort to bridge the gap between his rookie potential and the demands of a starting position in the NFL.
