The Titans enforce their expectations Taylor Levan release. After nine seasons in Tennessee, the Pro Bowl announced left tackle (via its Bussin’ With The Boys podcast on Twitter) he is said to be a free agent.
Although Lewan initially hinted that a pay cut could be a way for him to stay with the Titans, it looks like the sides are parting ways. Lewan said he would consider retiring this offseason. It’s not yet known if the three-time Pro Bowler plans to play a 10th season, but the Titans will create another need along their offensive line with Wednesday’s transaction.
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The prospect of the aforementioned return at a reduced rate remains under review, according to veteran Titans reporter Paul Kuharsky (on Twitter), but the team currently has a few moving pieces up front. For now, this release will result in significant cap savings.
No guarantees remained on Lewan’s contract; The release will take $14.8 million off Tennessee’s payroll. While the 31-year-old blocker was one of the game’s best left tackles, injuries have largely sidelined him in recent seasons. Lewan has missed 30 games since the 2020 season.
Lewan signed a five-year, $80 million extension with the Titans back in 2018. He was standing as the leading player on an O-line that helped Derrick Henry to the rushing title in 2019. Lewan was unable to play a significant role during Henry’s second rushing championship as he tore an ACL in five games into the 2020 season, but he resurfaced to help the injury-plagued Titans to help become the AFC’s No. 1 seed in 2021. However, persistent knee problems afflicted him that year, and another ACL tear sidelined the Michigan product in Week 2 of the 2022 season.
The Titans drafted Lewan to 11th overall and selected him along the way Ruston Webster’s GM tenure. Jon Robinson authorized the extension; new Tennessee GM Ran Carthon sign the release. Though Lewan sits just outside the top 10 in franchise history for games started by an offensive lineman, his 100 starts is sixth in the Titans era. Only MichaelRoss, Benji Olson, David Stewart, ben jones And Brad Hopkins have logged more starts with Tennessee among the O linemen. Lewan was the longest-serving player on the current Titans.
Tennessee already has a right guard Nate Davis on the verge of free agency, and Jones is considering retiring after retiring from IR. However, the Veterans Center is signed through 2023. Tennessee cut Rodger Saffold last year and mainly replaced him with the former UDFA Aaron Brewerwho can be held as a restricted free agent. Nicholas Petit Frere, a 2022 third-round pick, may be charted in the right tackle, but Carthon and company will have a lot of work to do to build a line around him. Thanks to the Lewan and Woods moves, there is now additional cap space available for this.