Titans’ Underrated Free-Agent Addition Is Making an Impact Despite 0-4 Start

Jacob Martin has quietly become a reliable pass-rushing presence for the winless Tennessee Titans in 2026.

The Tennessee Titans were among the more active teams during the NFL’s free-agency period this spring, and one of their additions was veteran edge rusher Jacob Martin.

Originally selected by the Seattle Seahawks in the sixth round of the 2018 NFL Draft, Martin has spent his career moving between several teams while establishing himself as a dependable pass rusher. The Temple product has played for the Seahawks, Houston Texans, New York Jets, Denver Broncos, Indianapolis Colts, Chicago Bears, Washington Commanders, and now the Titans.

Apart from his three-season run with Houston from 2019 through 2021, Martin has struggled to establish a permanent home in the NFL. That could be changing, however, as he has gotten off to an impressive start in 2026 and is already showing why Tennessee committed to him on a two-year contract in March.

Jacob Martin Has Emerged as a Bright Spot for Tennessee

Through the Titans’ first four games, Martin has been one of the defense’s more productive players.

He has recorded 1.5 sacks, 13 quarterback pressures, two defensive stops, and two tackles for loss. His performance against the Baltimore Ravens in Week 4 was particularly notable, as he generated five pressures and added half a sack.

Martin was also highly disruptive in Tennessee’s Week 2 matchup with the Philadelphia Eagles, producing seven quarterback pressures and a sack.

His early-season production has provided a much-needed positive for a Titans defense that has struggled with consistency. Unfortunately for Tennessee, the offense has done little to ease the pressure, frequently struggling to sustain productive drives.

The Titans’ headline addition at edge rusher was Jermaine Johnson, but Martin has actually edged him statistically through the opening four games. Martin has one additional quarterback pressure and half a sack more than Johnson, although Johnson has been the stronger player against the run.

Regardless, Martin’s contributions along the defensive front have been important, and Tennessee will need him to maintain that level of production.

The Titans’ secondary has not been particularly dependable, meaning the front seven will need to generate consistent pressure to make life easier for the defensive backs.

Martin Could Be Key Against Houston

Tennessee will be searching for its first victory of the 2026 season when it hosts the Houston Texans in Week 5.

For the Titans to finally end their losing run, which stretches back to Week 17 of the 2025 season, players like Martin will need to continue making an impact.

If the veteran pass rusher can maintain his early-season form and consistently pressure the quarterback, he could become one of the more important pieces of Tennessee’s defense as the season progresses.