What are the Titans thinking?
For the Titans, I think the thinking is pretty clear here and I think it started a few years ago whether consciously or unconsciously.
When Tennessee decided to hand out big extensions to Kevin Byard and Taylor Lewan, they did so because they believed that they were talented players who were integral to building and sustaining the culture in their locker room.
Those contracts don’t just signify talent, that isn’t how Jon Robinson or Mike Vrabel would do things based on the moves we have seen them make over the years.
Similarly, if the Titans were really concerned about the locker room having issues they would have kept around stellar leaders like Wesley Woodyard and Logan Ryan. In fact, if they could still bring them back if that is ever a concern with both still on the market.
That is all good, but a Pro Bowl player who is a good leader isn’t getting traded for a 7th normally. What really pushed them into the move was a big contract that averaged around $12 million per year over the next three years as well as the rise of Jeffery Simmons and DaQuan Jones.
As harsh as it sounds, the five sacks Casey had this year weren’t indicative of his ability to get pressure on the inside. That matters when you are 31 years old with three years left on your contract.