Several players were released early this offseason to create salary cap space. Apparently, the Tennessee Titans need more, and they have asked Pro Bowl safety Kevin Byard to take a pay cut. Thus far, Byard has refused, and reports indicate that he could be released if the sides can’t reach an acceptable agreement to both. It is a stunning and potentially troublesome development in the minds of many Titans fans. … The latest free-agent addition is veteran cornerback Sean Murphy-Bunting, a 2019 second-round pick who spent his first four seasons with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Tennessee has spent a lot of draft capital at cornerback in recent years, who why are free agent dollars needed at that same position? … Wide receiver Nick Westbrook-Ikhine did not immediately accept the Titans’ first contract offer this offseason and elected to explore his options in free agency. Apparently, he did not find much, and quickly re-signed with Tennessee on a one-year deal. … Westbrook-Ikhine’s is the only deal the Titans have given to a wide receiver this offseason. It is an obvious position of need. So, is this an indication that franchise officials plan to address that spot in the draft? … Two members of the 2022 Titans are moving on, including tackle Dennis Daley, who signed a two-year deal with the Arizona Cardinals. Many who watched him last season are glad to see Daley anywhere else but in Tennessee uniform.
Bye-Bye Byard? And Other Offseason Oddities
The possibility that Pro Bowl safety Kevin Byard could be released if he refuses to accept a pay cut has created a certain sense of unrest among Tennessee Titans fans and raised questions about how first-year general manager Ran Carthon intends to operate. The issue, which is currently unresolved, trumps everything the team has done thus far during the free agency signing period, including the recent addition of a veteran cornerback and the return of a wide receiver.