As many teams are doing before the start of free agency, the Tennessee Titans decided to end a current trade saga and make a tough decision of their own.
Tennessee is releasing pass rusher Harold Landry after being unable to find a trade partner for the veteran.
Just a few days ago, the Titans granted Landry permission to see a trade just as several teams have done lately with some of their key veterans.
With two years remaining on his contract, Landry's release saved the Titans $10 million in cap space. This was probably the main reason why teams were waiting instead of offering up draft capital in a trade for the former second-round pick.
Now, Landry is able to find his new team before the frenzy kicks off with the new league year in just a short amount of time.
What's next for the Titans after releasing Harold Landry?
One of the most obvious ripple effects from cutting ties with Landry has to involve the no. 1 overall pick in the 2025 NFL Draft.
Owning such power, the Titans can't afford to take the best player in the class which now also fits a huge need: Penn State pass rusher Abdul Carter.
Sure, the quarterback position remains a large pain point in Tennessee. Will Levis has clearly proven that he isn't the guy the Titans want to bank on for years to come. He'll certainly get competition one way or another, but this year also isn't a strong draft at the position.
That has to force Tennessee to draft Carter at this point. He's the best player in this draft class and he immediately fills a gaping hole, especially with Landry now gone. The Titans' defense was already sneaky a year ago, but adding a prolific pass rusher like Carter could take it to even greater heights.
Quarterback will continue being a priority, but this Landry news absolutely points to the Titans taking Carter when Roger Goodell hits the stage for the first time in late April.