NASHVILLE – Gunnar Helm is a year older, with a year of NFL experience under his belt.
But the Titans tight end is approaching his second year with the same mindset:
Never count yourself in, and never count yourself out.
What that means for Helm is there's always work to be done to improve, so never be satisfied. But with hard work, determination, and success, it's doable.
"There's always something to go out there and do," Helm said, "always something to prove, and there's somebody always coming for your spot."
A fourth-round pick in the 2025 NFL Draft, Helm played in 16 games, with 10 starts, for the Titans as a rookie in 2025.
Helm ranked fourth on the squad with 44 receptions, which set a franchise record for rookie tight ends, and he ranked fourth on the team with 357 receiving yards. Helm also collected two receiving touchdowns and had at least one reception in all 16 games.
Helm's new head coach, Robert Saleh, has liked what he's seen from the 6-foot-5, 241-pounder so far.
"Gunnar looks good, man," Saleh said. "He looks like a legit dude – from what he was a year ago to what he is now, especially physically. Again, once pads come on, we'll be able to decide all that, but like all these guys, hopefully they take a big jump and find a way to grab the bull by the horns and take advantage of their opps."
There are plenty of new faces around Helm, from his offensive coordinator (Brian Daboll) to new teammates at every position, including tight end, where veterans Daniel Bellinger and Kylen Granson and rookie Jaren Kanak joined Helm, David Martin-Robinson and Joel Wilson this offseason.
Helm's position coach, Luke Stocker, is back, which was huge in his mind.
Now it's time for Helm to better himself as he prepares for the 2026 season.
Helm has focused on improving his pad level, and his second level-blocking by using better hand placement.
He's aimed to improve his diet, which should help him get in and out of breaks, and get in and out of stance. He's worked on more lower body exercises, trying to build his core up as much as can.
"There's room for improvement everywhere for me," Helm said, "and that's how I am attacking this offseason."
Helm had an impressive offseason in OTAs and minicamp, catching 10 passes in the open practices and looking fluid doing it.
Stocker said Helm learned a lot as a rookie, and he's made strides in a number of areas.
Helm said he's excited about what the addition of Daboll might mean for himself, and the other tight ends.
The group is plenty capable, he said.
"It's been great," Helm said. "Obviously Dabes is not afraid to use the tight end, did so wherever he's been. There's been great clips of (tight ends) like (Rob) Gronkowski (in New England), Dalton Kinkaid (and) Dawson Knox (in Buffalo), just doing things that usually receivers do. Beng able to be worked into the offense like that, it's been great.
"Obviously we have a super stacked receiver room. We have great chemistry on the field. When you need a guy to pop open, you can rely on me, Daniel, Kylen, DMR, really anyone in the room."
