Titans RB Tyjae Spears enters Year 4 focused on steady growth, and a bigger role alongside Tony Pollard

NASHVILLE, Tenn. Tyjae Spears is heading into his fourth NFL season with the Tennessee Titans, and the emphasis in his offseason work is not about reinventing his role overnight. Instead, Spears is leaning into the idea that improvement has to happen every year and even every day, a message that fits where Tennessee appears to be headed with its backfield approach.

Spears came to the Titans as a third-round pick in the 2023 NFL Draft, and his first three seasons have produced a steady foundation. According to the team, he has played in 42 games with three starts, totaling 1,048 rushing yards and eight touchdowns. He has also contributed as a receiver, catching 127 passes for 873 yards and two additional scores.

The offseason context matters because Spears’ pro development has unfolded during a period of change in Nashville. The Titans have worked through multiple coaching adjustments, roster turnover, and even a logo change, and Spears’ comments reflect a player trying to remain anchored while the environment evolves around him.

In June, Titans coach Robert Saleh described Spears as a “bell cow” at the running back position, placing the expectation on him to help set the tone at a spot the offense relies on for both production and control of game tempo. Saleh also has indicated that Spears and veteran Tony Pollard are meant to work together frequently. What that means in practice, however, is still a moving target as the team weighs how to distribute reps.

Saleh’s view of the pairing is rooted in their complementary skill sets, and he framed it as a protection and usage matchup challenge for opponents. In the team’s account, Saleh pointed to Pollard as an elite third-down back and suggested that role clarity will become more defined as the season approaches. Spears echoed that mindset, saying he is evolving as a player and prioritizing consistency over flash, a theme he described with the idea that consistent improvement as a person and player should make the results take care of themselves.

Spears also spoke directly about his relationship with Pollard, calling him “my brother” and describing an off-field connection that underscores how comfortable the two appear to be as teammates. At the same time, Tennessee has been adding options behind the starters, including running back Nick Singleton in the 2026 NFL Draft. The Titans’ stated plan, according to the team, is still to ride Pollard and Spears heavily, with the remaining group providing depth while roles are clarified through training and preseason work.