The Tennessee Titans released veteran safety Quandre Diggs over the weekend. The reported word is that the experienced defensive back requested his release. If true, Diggs becomes the second veteran Titan over the past month to ask for, and be granted, his release, joining Tyler Lockett.
The Titans exit their bye week with an NFL-worse 1-8 record. It's a collective issue, but Diggs was doing nothing to prevent the defense from struggling. He had registered 30 tackles, one pass breakup, and zero sacks, forced fumbles, or interceptions. Diggs was simply present.
More importantly, Diggs' release creates an opening for rookie safety Kevin Winston Jr. to join the lineup on more of a full-time basis. The rebuilding Titans are in fact-finding mode with GM Mike Borgonzi trying to identify future solutions throughout the roster. The Titans must use this post-Diggs opportunity to learn more about Winston.
Quandre Diggs release creates room for Titans rookie S Kevin Winston Jr. to break out
Winston suffered a setback in training camp while recovering from a knee injury he suffered at Penn State. The third-round rookie didn't make his defensive debut until Week 6 as a result. The Titans eased Winston in slowly, but he's steadily been earning more snaps.
Winston played 21 snaps in Week 8 and another 26 snaps in Week 9. Both times, that accounted for 40% of Dennard Wilson's available snap-count on defense. Winston's workload should increase post-bye, following Diggs' release.
Fellow Titans veteran safety Xavier Woods had been nursing an injury, but may return to practice this week. Mike Brown had his 21-day practice window triggered from IR, and the team also added Jerrick Reed II via waivers last week. Winston should be the primary safety opposite Amani Hooker moving forward, however.
Diggs had been playing extensively for the Titans. He actually earned a season-high 89% snap workload in Week 9 prior to his release. Those newly-found opportunities should be handed to Winston.