Titans Make a Pre-Free Agency Move
According to NFL Network insider Tom Pelissero, the Tennessee Titans have released linebacker Harold Landry III just days before the start of the legal tampering period in free agency. Landry’s departure marks a significant shift for a team that had relied on his presence since drafting him in the second round of the 2018 NFL Draft.
Landry’s Journey with the Titans
Landry, who turns 29 in June, had been one of the most consistent figures on the Titans’ defense. In the current season, he played and started in all 17 games, recording 71 tackles alongside a team-high nine sacks. As the longest-tenured player on the roster until now, his release not only signals an end to an era but also shifts the hierarchy, making defensive tackle Jeffery Simmons—selected in the first round of the 2019 NFL Draft—the longest-serving Titan.
Contract and Performance Considerations
Despite having two years remaining on his five-year deal, the Titans determined that Landry was not living up to the expectations tied to his contract. The team had actively pursued a trade on the open market; however, they were unable to secure a deal that they found satisfactory. This led to the difficult decision to release him before free agency commenced.
Implications for the Upcoming Free Agency
With Landry now a free agent ahead of the legal tampering period, his market is wide open, potentially attracting interest from one of the other 31 teams in the league. This move could reshape the Titans’ defensive line and might also influence how other teams strategize their free agency signings, as they assess the value and roles of their own defensive leaders.