Titans Draft RB Nicholas Singleton, Adding Competition in Spears’ Contract Year
The Tennessee Titans waited until the fifth round of the 2026 NFL Draft to address the running back position, but the selection of Penn State’s Nicholas Singleton still carries consequences for the backfield’s established order, particularly for Tyjae Spears.
Spears and incumbent lead back Tony Pollard made it through the first two days of the draft untouched at the position. That changed Saturday when Tennessee used the 165th overall pick on Singleton, a four-year Penn State standout who set a school record with 5,586 all-purpose yards during his college career. He scored 45 rushing touchdowns and added 102 receptions for 987 yards as a receiver over four seasons, profiling as a between-the-tackles runner with legitimate pass-catching ability.
His stock slipped ahead of the draft for a specific and documented reason. Singleton broke his fifth metatarsal bone during Senior Bowl preparation in January 2026, underwent surgery, and was unable to participate in on-field testing at the combine or his pro day. He was medically cleared in the days leading up to the draft, but his ramp-up heading into training camp remains a variable. His 2025 season, while lower in rushing yards (549), actually produced a career-high 13 rushing touchdowns — a detail the Titans noted when evaluating him.
“I feel like I am a complete back,” Singleton said after being selected. “Can run the ball, catch the ball out of the backfield, and be able to block.”
The addition puts pressure on Spears, who is entering the final year of his four-year rookie contract and will be an unrestricted free agent after the season. The 24-year-old has established himself as a reliable third-down and passing-down option in Tennessee, but his 2025 campaign was interrupted by an ankle injury that cost him the first four games of the season. He finished with 283 rushing yards and 264 receiving yards across 13 games — serviceable production in a backup role, but not the kind of breakout that raises his market value heading into free agency.
Singleton’s receiving profile overlaps meaningfully with Spears’ primary value. That is the competitive threat. A fully healthy Singleton who embraces pass-catching and special teams responsibilities could limit the situations in which Spears sees the field, reducing his opportunities to audition for his next contract.
Singleton acknowledged special teams as a potential early path to playing time. “When you get to the next level,” he said, “the fastest way to be on the field is special teams.”