Tennessee Titans haven’t mortgaged their future in Julio Jones trade

The Tennessee Titans can make adjustments to create future cap space.

The NFL’s ceiling for cap space in 2022 is $208.2 million and when you add in the $11.5 million that Julio Jones is scheduled to make next year, the Tennessee Titans are 20th in cap space next year.

That is fine, but it isn’t great. However, there are a few cuts that the Tennessee Titans could make to create massive amounts of cap room if some young players step up this year.

For example, if Dillon Radunz takes over the right tackle position and looks like a capable starter, the Titans could cut Kendall Lamm and save $3.3 million.

It is going to be a big year for Kristian Fulton and if he can unseat Triple J (Janoris Jackrabbit Jenkins) as one of the starting corner spots opposite Caleb Farley, then the Titans could cut Jenkins and save $7 million.

Those two moves would pay for Julio Jones on their own, and that doesn’t even factor in potential extensions for A.J. Brown, Jeffery Simmons, Taylor Lewan, and Rodger Saffold, where the Titans could lock up great players while reducing their immediate cap hit.

The point is people who are complaining that the Titans don’t have the money to keep their star players after they have traded for Julio, don’t know what they are talking about. Now historically the Titans have been stingy with handing out second contracts, but that has more to deal with how this front office evaluates re-signings vs collecting compensatory picks.