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Glaring Issue Proves Why Titans Shouldn't Re-Sign Chig Okonkwo

When it comes to re-signing tight end Chig Okonkwo, the Tennessee Titans should first consider this glaring issue.
Jordon Lawrenz|
Nov 2, 2025; Nashville, Tennessee, USA; Tennessee Titans tight end Chigoziem Okonkwo (85) runs with the ball after a made catch against the Los Angeles Chargers during the first half at Nissan Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Steve Roberts-Imagn Images
Nov 2, 2025; Nashville, Tennessee, USA; Tennessee Titans tight end Chigoziem Okonkwo (85) runs with the ball after a made catch against the Los Angeles Chargers during the first half at Nissan Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Steve Roberts-Imagn Images | Steve Roberts-Imagn Images

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Tennessee Titans

Back in 2022, the Tennessee Titans drafted tight end Chig Okonkwo No. 143 overall. The Maryland graduate posted 717 receiving yards during his time with the Terrapins as he finished with eight touchdowns.

In the final year of his rookie contract, Okonkwo is just 137 yards shy of 2,000. He has yet to score a touchdown this season, but there is one glaring issue in his game that will prevent him from being a mainstay on this team moving forward.

Chig Okonkwo Is Not A Blocking TE

While the Titans' inability to run the ball this season doesn't solely fall on Okonkwo's shoulders, it has become more and more clear that this team needs a blocking tight end. Okonkwo simply isn't that, and there's a key statistic that proves it, if watching his work on film wasn't enough.

Currently, Okonkwo has a run blocking grade of 28.9 according to Pro Football Focus. Of the 76 qualified tight ends (with at least 100 run blocking snaps this season), that puts him dead last. Okonkwo simply isn't cutting it in regard to getting either running back Tony Pollard or Tyjae Spears going.

Sure, Okonkwo is the team's leading receiver, but that's a relatively low bar to set. The Titans haven't exactly surrounded rookie quarterback Cam Ward with elite weapons, and while they would hate to let someone walk who Ward is developing chemistry with, there are plenty of better options out there.

Titans Must Let Okonkwo Walk

Unless they can bring him back for dirt cheap, there's no reason to keep Okonkwo around next season. Tennessee found themselves a very solid rookie TE in Gunnar Helm, and that's someone they can begin to build this offense around.

If Tennessee switched things up and ran more two-tight-end sets and things that could complement both of their games, this could be a different discussion. There's no doubt that Okonkwo is Ward's safety blanket as he has a team-high 39 receptions, but that doesn't mean he should stick around.

In fact, the second-leading receiver is Helm with 36 receptions. No true wide receiver has more than 30, as Ward is clearly a fan of his tight ends.

That said, the Titans need a tight end who can block and for the price Okonkwo will be going for this offseason, it's hard to justify bringing him back. That's not to say they won't, but it would be a hard pill to swallow if the price isn't right.

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Jordon Lawrenz
JORDON LAWRENZ

Jordon Lawrenz serves as the Eastern United States College Recruiting beat writer On SI. Jordon is an accomplished writer covering the NFL, MLB, and college football/basketball. He has contributed to PFSN’s and Heavy’s NFL coverage. Having graduated from the University of Wisconsin - Green Bay with a Sports Communication and Journalism degree, Jordon fully embraced the sports writing lifestyle upon his relocation to Florida.

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