The Tennessee Titans released outside linebacker Harold Landry from his contract on Friday. Landry had previously been granted permission to seek a trade, but a serious suitor did not materialize. The move is expected to save the Titans $10.9 million in immediate cap relief.
Landry must now find another franchise to continue his playing career. In 2024, the former second-round selection recorded a team-high nine sacks, providing tangible production, even if he was occasionally inefficient as a pass rusher. The 28-year-old Landry still possesses enough gas in the tank to be a legitimate contributor on defense.
Competing franchises with a need at the edge rusher position will be in the Landry market this offseason. After all, the edge-rusher market is rather thin, with aging assets like Khalil Mack and Haason Reddick among the pending available players.
There is one team that stands head and shoulders above the rest as a potential landing spot for Landry after being released by the Titans — and it's rather obvious.
Patriots are clear favorites to sign Harold Landry after Titans release
The New England Patriots are the most obvious landing spot for Landry imaginable. At this point, it would be surprising if the Pro Bowler signed with a team that wasn't the Patriots this offseason.
Former Titans head coach Mike Vrabel took charge of the Patriots earlier this offseason. Vrabel joined the Titans in 2018, the same year the organization made Landry the No. 41 overall pick in the draft.
Landry immediately became one of Vrabel's best-performing players on defense, totaling 31 sacks throughout his four-year rookie contract. And when that deal expired, Vrabel's presence and input was imperative to the Titans signing Landry to a sizable five-year extension worth 87.5 million.
Landry then suffered a torn ACL and missed the entire 2022 campaign. He played one final season under Vrabel, returning in 2023 to total an effective 10.5 sacks. Vrabel was fired at the conclusion of that season, and new general manager Mike Borgonzi no longer sees Landry as a core member of the defense.
Meanwhile the Patriots recorded a league-low 28 sacks throughout the 2024 season, leaving Vrabel searching for immediate pass-rush help in free agency. The Patriots are also flush with a league-leading $125.1 million in cap space. Meeting Landry's modest asking price won't be a problem.
Vrabel isn't the only tie Landry possesses to the Patriots. He played college football nearby at Boston College, establishing roots in the community. Landry and Vrabel could soon reunite.