Imagine this: a top NFL prospect, a cunning coach, and a high-stakes draft pick that could change everything. But here's where it gets controversial... Did Brian Daboll, now the Tennessee Titans' offensive coordinator, secretly try to steer another team away from drafting quarterback Cam Ward? According to Titans general manager Mike Borgonzi, the answer is a resounding yes. And this is the part most people miss—it wasn't just a casual suggestion; it was a full-on campaign to convince Borgonzi to pass on Ward during the 2025 NFL Draft.
Ward, a highly touted quarterback, was on the radar of multiple teams heading into the draft. The Titans, however, secured him with the top overall pick, seemingly foiling Daboll's plan when he was still the head coach of the New York Giants. In a recent interview with NFL Network's Tom Pelissero on The Insiders, Borgonzi revealed that Daboll and new Titans quarterbacks coach Shane Tierney had scouted Ward extensively during the previous draft process.
'They had a vision for him,' Borgonzi explained. 'Brian actually tried to convince me not to take him last year, and I still joke with him about that. It’s important to note the experience Daboll and Tierney bring—from their college quarterback coaching days to Daboll’s work with Josh Allen in Buffalo. Now, they’re excited to shape Ward’s future.'
When pressed for more details on Daboll's alleged maneuvering, Borgonzi chuckled, 'I was grabbing a coffee, and he pulled me aside, trying to sell me on another player. I told him, 'Nah, didn’t work, Dabes.'
But here's the twist: With Ward off the board, the Giants opted for pass rusher Abdul Carter with the No. 3 pick and later selected quarterback Jaxson Dart at No. 25. While Dart shows promise as a franchise quarterback, Daboll won’t be there to guide him. Daboll was fired 10 weeks into the 2025 season after a 2-8 start, a turn of events that now positions him to mentor Ward instead.
Though Borgonzi shared the story lightheartedly, Daboll’s admiration for Ward is no joke. During his introductory press conference in February, Daboll admitted Ward was a significant factor in his decision to join the Titans. 'I have a lot of confidence in this 23-year-old,' Daboll said, underscoring his belief in Ward’s potential.
Ward’s rookie season was tougher than Dart’s, and as the No. 1 pick, he faces higher expectations. However, he ended his first year on a high note. After throwing just seven touchdowns in his first 12 starts, Ward exploded for eight touchdowns in Weeks 14-17, tossing two scores in each game during a four-game winning streak. Despite a shoulder injury in the season finale, Ward’s late-season performance has the Titans optimistic about his future.
'He’s trending well,' Borgonzi assured during the NFL Scouting Combine. 'He’s on track for a strong offseason.'
Once Ward fully recovers, Daboll can begin molding the quarterback he once tried to keep from the Titans into a championship-caliber player. But here's the question that lingers: Did Daboll genuinely believe Ward wasn’t the right fit for the Titans, or was he simply playing strategic hardball? Let us know your thoughts in the comments—this is one NFL storyline that’s sure to spark debate.
Programming Note: Catch live coverage of the 2026 NFL Scouting Combine on NFL Network and NFL+ starting February 26.
