Thirty-seven former Tennessee players begin 2026 NFL season on rosters
Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Sep 10, 2026, 2:46 PM
Last updated Sep 10, 2026

Thirty-seven former Tennessee football players started the 2026 NFL season on active rosters, practice squads, or injured reserve lists. These players represent 21 different teams, with the Detroit Lions holding the most former Volunteers with four. Active rosters feature 21 of these players, while 10 are signed to practice squads and six remain on injured reserve. Velus Jones Jr. opened his season with the Seattle Seahawks in a 13-10 victory over the New England Patriots on September 9. Chicago Bears tackle Darnell Wright recently signed a four-year, $116 million contract extension. Several veterans are reaching career milestones, including Alvin Kamara, Derek Barnett, Morgan Cox, and Harrison Smith, who all remain active participants in the league.
- •Twenty-one former Tennessee players are on active NFL rosters for the 2026 season.
- •The Detroit Lions lead all NFL teams with four former Volunteers on their roster.
- •Darnell Wright signed a four-year, $116 million contract extension with the Chicago Bears.
- •Velus Jones Jr. and the Seattle Seahawks defeated the New England Patriots 13-10 on September 9.
- •Harrison Smith returned to the Minnesota Vikings on September 5 for his 15th season.
- 2:46 PMYahoo Sports — See 37 Tennessee football players in NFL, including Darnell Wright, Alvin Kamara
"37 former Tennessee football made NFL rosters to start the 2026 season. The Detroit Lions, with four former Vols rostered, have the most of any team.
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