Titans GM Mike Borgonzi backs Cam Ward as franchise quarterback

Nashville Titans general manager Mike Borgonzi publicly endorsed quarterback Cam Ward on Wednesday, stating he is confident in the player’s future with the team.

Borgonzi answered "Yes" when asked if he believed Ward would be the starting quarterback moving forward. This response came after speculation grew that trading All-Pro defensive tackle Jeffery Simmons signaled a pivot away from Ward as the long-term solution at the position.

The support follows Ward’s best statistical game of his career on November 1, a loss to the Cincinnati Bengals. In that overtime contest, Ward completed 26 of 40 passes for 304 yards and two touchdowns. It was the first time the 2025 No. 1 overall pick surpassed 300 passing yards in a game. Prior to that matchup, Ward had thrown four touchdowns and five interceptions in his first seven games of the season, with only one quarterback rating above 90.0.

Borgonzi noted that he has observed Ward improving during practice sessions. "We've seen it at practice, and I think the last few weeks he's getting more comfortable in the offense, and it came to fruition versus the Bengals," Borgonzi said. He added that Ward showed better field vision and involved tight ends Gunnar Helm and Daniel Bellinger more effectively.

The general manager said Ward has the opportunity to become the new face of the franchise following the departure of top defenders Simmons and safety Amani Hooker. "They all have the opportunity," Borgonzi said. "They all have to step up now. Who wants it most? And I certainly think Cam can be the face of the franchise, of course."

The Titans retained running back Tony Pollard despite trading two premier defensive players. Pollard has rushed for 595 yards and six touchdowns this season. Coach Robert Saleh highlighted Pollard’s role in supporting Ward, noting that the running back helps keep the team in advantageous down-and-distance situations.

"The easiest thing a quarterback can do is turn around and hand the ball off," Saleh said. "And to have a guy like Tony who can move the pile, gain first downs with his legs, keep us in advantageous situations with regards to down-and-distance, is always beneficial for the quarterback."