Ex-Titans starter already looking like a home run signing on new team

The Tennessee Titans made the decision to release long-tenured defender Harold Landry III earlier this offseason. The move saved new general manager Mike Borgonzi nearly $11 million in cap space. It was money the Titans didn't necessarily need, given their positive standing against the salary cap.

The Titans felt Landry no longer justified his bloated salary number despite him leading the defense in sacks last season. Borgonzi replaced Landry by signing Dre'Mont Jones and drafting Femi Oladejo. Jones was released from his contract earlier in the summer after underperforming with the Seattle Seahawks, and Oladejo is a raw second-round rookie who is still developing as a pass rusher.

Meanwhile, Landry quickly found a new home, ending up with his most realistic suitor. Landry reunited with former Titans coach Mike Vrabel by signing a three-year, $43.5 million contract with the New England Patriots. By all accounts, he's been a home-run signing for the Patriots.

Former Titans EDGE Harold Landry III a home-run signing for Patriots

Landry, a proven veteran, played just six snaps during the preseason. The Patriots' defensive coordinator is former Titans defensive line coach Terrell Williams. Williams, who is awfully familiar with Landry from their shared time together in Tennessee, recently praised his pupil pass rusher.

Landry is penciled into a starting role at EDGE. Keion White, Anfernee Jennings, and K'Lavon Chaisson are expected to play opposite him. Landry, who registered 41.5 sacks under Vrabel in Tennessee, has practiced his way into the defense's top pass-rushing position.

The Titans moved forward without Landry. There's legitimate concern that Dennard Wilson's pass rush could be among the worst units in the NFL this season. If the Titans are to survive Landry's departure, they'll need Jones, Oladejo, and Arden Key to be effective at collapsing the pocket.

The Patriots were beyond thrilled to reunite Vrabel with Landry.