The Tennessee Titans currently project to have roughly $11.74 million in 2027 cap space. That doesn't look like much for a team still trying to improve its rebuilding roster.
But several veteran contracts give general manager Mike Borgonzi room to make changes. Four potential pre-June 1 releases could create roughly $46.02 million in additional savings, already accounting for the dead money Tennessee would carry.
That doesn't mean all four should go. It means their play this season could have a lot to do with whether they're back in 2027.
4 Tennessee Titans players entering the 2026 season on the chopping block
The Titans have $33M in cap space this year, second-most in the NFL. Next year it projects to about $11.7M. But four veteran contracts have exits built into 2027 worth $46M in savings.
— Titans-Desk (@mbottoms31) September 5, 2026
The Titans don’t have to cut anyone. They just have the option to if the 2026 season goes… pic.twitter.com/fvbyp1XF4r
Calvin Ridley, WR
Calvin Ridley's limited 2025 season produced 17 catches for 303 yards and no touchdowns. It wasn't a full season's worth of opportunities, and his 17.8 yards per catch showed he could still make plays downfield.
The bigger question is how much production Tennessee gets this year before his cap hit jumps from $15.2 million to $29.75 million in 2027. A pre-June 1 release could save $22.25 million while leaving $7.50 million in dead money.
That makes Ridley the most likely of these four to become a 2027 cap casualty. He has not produced much for Tennessee so far, even with the limited 2025 sample in mind. A strong 2026 would give the Titans a reason to keep him. If not, it could be time to move on.
Dan Moore Jr., OT
Dan Moore Jr. needs to give Tennessee more consistent protection. PFF charged him with 48 pressures and eight sacks allowed in 2025, along with a 62.5 pass-blocking grade. Those numbers leave room for improvement.
Moore carries the team's largest 2026 cap hit at about $26.35 million. His 2027 charge falls to $22.13 million, but releasing him before June 1 would save only about $9.38 million while leaving $12.75 million in dead money.
Moore’s contract gives the Titans flexibility, but he is harder to replace than others on this list. Tennessee needs better protection in front of Ward, and a strong season from Moore could make keeping him the easier call.
Amani Hooker, S
Amani Hooker has been with Tennessee since 2019. One rough season shouldn't erase that history, but his 51.9 overall grade and 44.8 coverage grade from PFF make improvement worth watching in 2026.
His 2027 cap hit is about $13.16 million. A pre-June 1 release could create $7.40 million in savings, with $5.76 million remaining in dead money.
Tennessee shouldn’t be in a rush to move on from Hooker. A rebound could make Hooker worth keeping. Another difficult year in coverage would give them more to think about.
Cody Barton, LB
Cody Barton finished 2025 with a 52.5 overall grade and a 46.0 run-defense grade from PFF. His preseason results were mixed, with a 55.2 overall grade across 42 snaps. His run-defense grade improved to 69.7, but that came on just 14 snaps against the run.
Barton’s 2027 cap hit is $8.71 million. A pre-June 1 release could save $6.99 million while leaving $1.72 million in dead money, giving Tennessee a relatively affordable way to make a change.
Barton has a season to show he should stay. Rookie Anthony Hill Jr.’s development could also factor into the decision if he proves ready for a larger role.
The Titans have a season to evaluate these veterans before making those decisions. Keeping productive players would be the best outcome, but if changes are needed, Borgonzi at least has options.
Add us as a preferred source on Google