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5 Tennessee Titans who won’t be on the team in 2020

By John Lowell

CLEVELAND, OH - SEPTEMBER 8: Delanie Walker #82 of the Tennessee Titans runs the ball into the end zone for a touchdown during the fourth quarter of the game against the Cleveland Browns at FirstEnergy Stadium on September 8, 2019 in Cleveland, Ohio. Tennessee defeated Cleveland 43-13. (Photo by Kirk Irwin/Getty Images)
CLEVELAND, OH - SEPTEMBER 8: Delanie Walker #82 of the Tennessee Titans runs the ball into the end zone for a touchdown during the fourth quarter of the game against the Cleveland Browns at FirstEnergy Stadium on September 8, 2019 in Cleveland, Ohio. Tennessee defeated Cleveland 43-13. (Photo by Kirk Irwin/Getty Images) /
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Titans RB, Dion Lewis.
NASHVILLE, TENNESSEE – OCTOBER 06: Dion Lewis #33 of the Tennessee Titans rushes between Ed Oliver #91 and Jordan Poyer #21 of the Buffalo Bills during the second half at Nissan Stadium on October 06, 2019 in Nashville, Tennessee. (Photo by Frederick Breedon/Getty Images) /

1. Dion Lewis, RB

Let’s begin with a check in the popular column. Running back Dion Lewis has been one of Jon Robinson’s worst free-agent acquisitions, and it wouldn’t be close if it weren’t for left guard Rodger Saffold’s level of play through eight weeks.

In March of 2018, Lewis inked a four-year, $19.8 million deal with $5.75 million guaranteed. What a steal. Let’s put his deal in perspective. Lewis is wedged between Houston Texans RB Lamar Miller (No. 9) and Carolina Panthers RB Christian McCaffery (No. 11) with the 10th-highest valued contract for a running back in the NFL.

This list is ever-changing, and it’s worth noting that McCaffery is still on his rookie deal, but in no world is Lewis worth top-10 money. Especially with the value of running backs on the decline, the Titans should take another swing on a mid-round running back in the 2020 NFL Draft to replace Lewis.

The good news for Titans fans is that the team has a legitimate out. After this season — assuming Lewis is cut — the Titans will move on carrying only $1.1 million in dead cap. In turn, his deal becomes something that Robinson can live with (2yrs/$10.3 million).

A failed venture, but one that had significant upside.

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