Full Breakdown
Austin Schlottmann Competes for Starting Center Role as Titans Prepare for 2026
7/3/2026, 9:21:06 PM
Schlottmann’s Quest for the Starting Center Role
The Tennessee Titans signed veteran center Austin Schlottmann to a three-year, $7 million contract in March 2026. Entering training camp, he joins a crowded interior line group and will compete for the starting center position alongside rookie Pat Coogan and veteran Andre James. The Titans have also identified the right-guard spot as an open competition, while left guard Peter Skoronski and tackles Dan Moore (LT) and JC Latham (RT) appear set.
Background: From Undrafted Free Agent to Veteran Lineman
Schlottmann entered the NFL in 2018 as an undrafted free agent with the Denver Broncos, spending his first three seasons on the practice squad and active roster (42 games, 7 starts). He then spent two seasons with the Minnesota Vikings (25 games, 7 starts) before joining the New York Giants for the 2024–2025 period, where he appeared in 17 games with 4 starts. Across seven NFL seasons he has played in 85 games and started 18, demonstrating a career built on continual position battles.
Key Figures: Coaches and Quarterback
- Brian Daboll – New offensive coordinator, previously the Titans’ OC and Schlottmann’s OC with the Giants.
- Carmen Bricillo – Offensive line coach, also followed from New York.
- Cam Ward – Starting quarterback; Schlottmann notes a growing on-field chemistry with Ward during offseason drills.
Data & Statistics
- Games Played / Starts: 85 / 18 (career).
- Pro Football Focus (2025): Overall grade 70.8 (10th of 40 qualified centers); Pass-blocking grade 77.0 (4th of 40).
- Contract: 3-year, $7 million (average $2.33 million per year).
Titans’ Official Outlook
Team communications confirm that the offensive line will be “tight” and “eager to improve” as the season approaches. The organization emphasizes that competition at center and right guard is intentional, aiming to solidify the interior line before the regular season. The coaching staff’s familiarity with Schlottmann’s skill set—having worked together in New York—has been highlighted as a factor in his signing.
Verbatim Quotes
- “[I] went to Denver in 2018 as an undrafted free agent with a super longshot of making it, stuck around on the practice squad, and then the next year you compete for a spot on the roster.” — Austin Schlottmann, Center, Tennessee Titans
- “So, I think throughout my career, I have learned how to do that. So, I think the best way to do it is just focus on yourself. Just try and get better every day and work. Be the best version of you every day.” — Austin Schlottmann
- “I played my best football with Dabes and Carm, and I'd like to keep improving,” — Austin Schlottmann
- “We’ve had a good time, and we’ve kind of jelled together quickly.” — Austin Schlottmann
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
Sources differ on the exact year Schlottmann joined the Giants: one article states he signed in 2024, while another references his 2025 season performance. No public clarification has been provided, leaving a minor timeline gap.
What’s Next
Training camp opens at the end of July 2026, where Schlottmann will vie for the starting center role. Final roster decisions are expected before the preseason, and the Titans will assess whether Schlottmann’s familiarity with Daboll’s scheme and his chemistry with Ward translate into a permanent starting position.
