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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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Tennessee Titans TE, Delanie Walker.
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) /

5. Delanie Walker, TE

For the first time, I’m preparing myself for the eventual exit of fan-favorite tight end, Delanie Walker. I don’t like writing it as much as you don’t like reading it, but here we are, facing reality. Walker is 35 years old and has been injury-ridden for the better part of one and a half seasons. Set to become an unrestricted free agent in 2021, the Titans have Walker under contract for the rest of this year and 2020.

With what looks to be the emergence of TE Jonnu Smith, would the Titans part with Walker a year early? Well, does saving $6.7 million sound like a good enough incentive for you? I believe it does.

While both Smith and Walker are on the same contract timeline, Smith’s $933,197 cap hit versus Walker’s $8,366,668 in 2020 is quite the disparity. Smith would give them a relatively “free” tight end next year on a prove-it type of deal, while cutting Walker could help open the door to re-signing CB Logan Ryan or extending QB Ryan Tannehill.

This game is a business, and a manager is always looking for ways to minimize loss and capitalize. Well, JR, here’s your moment. The Titans brought in Jonnu Smith as the successor to Walker; it’s been the plan, and now it’s time to execute.

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