The Tennessee Titans made a bold roster shakeup on Friday by releasing edge rusher Harold Landry, a move that came after the team failed to find a viable trade partner. This decision allows Landry, who had been a pivotal component of the Titans’ defense since his second-round selection in the 2018 NFL Draft, to enter free agency.
Landry emerged as a productive pass rusher for Tennessee, reaching a career-high of 12 sacks in 2021. However, his progress was derailed when he suffered a torn ACL before the 2022 season, causing him to miss the entire year. Although he made a solid comeback in 2023 by recording 10.5 sacks, lingering concerns about his long-term role with the team—especially given his hefty contract—ultimately led to the decision to release him. By parting ways with Landry, the Titans not only free up valuable cap space but also signal a strategic pivot in their defensive approach under new head coach Brian Callahan, with an eye toward restructuring the pass rush by exploring younger or more cost-effective options.
In addition to Landry’s departure, the Titans also made significant moves on the defensive side by re-signing linebacker Otis Reese IV and defensive lineman Keondre Coburn to one-year deals. Reese, who joined the Titans as an undrafted free agent in 2023, has steadily carved out a role for himself by appearing in 20 games over his first two seasons. During that time, he has compiled 38 tackles, one interception, and one pass defensed. While his primary contributions have come on special teams—where he logged an impressive 348 snaps—Reese also played 179 snaps on defense, showcasing his versatility and underscoring his value to the team.
Coburn, meanwhile, has spent two seasons with the Titans, following a brief stint with the Kansas City Chiefs. Appearing in 19 games, he has recorded 22 tackles while contributing on both defense and special teams, with a total of 233 defensive snaps and an additional 26 snaps on special teams. Although Coburn may not be considered a star, his depth and reliability on the defensive line are critical for a long, grueling NFL season.
These roster adjustments indicate that the Titans are actively reshaping their defensive strategy as they look to rebound from a disappointing 2023 campaign. The release of Landry points to an aggressive effort to overhaul the pass rush, while the re-signings of Reese and Coburn ensure that the team maintains continuity and depth in key defensive positions.
As the offseason unfolds, it is expected that the Titans will continue to explore options in free agency and the draft to bolster their roster and address areas of need, setting the stage for a more competitive season ahead.
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