The Tennessee Titans reported to training camp on Tuesday. The first practice session is scheduled for Wednesday. General manager Mike Borgonzi and president Chad Brinker met with the media to discuss the official start of camp.
As we prepare to analyze the team during its upcoming string of practices, the Titans' roster appears concerningly weak at EDGE. A surprising decision has further weakened the pass-rushing position. Veteran addition Lorenzo Carter has decided to abruptly retire, the Titans announced.
Titans EDGE Lorenzo Carter retires on Eve of training camp
Dennard Wilson's defense recorded the third-fewest sacks in the league last season. Carter was one of just three offseason additions at EDGE, joining fellow free-agent signing Dre'Mont Jones, and second-round draft pick Femi Oladejo. Now, Carter decided he's done playing football.
The Titans signed Carter to a one-year contract worth $1.4 million earlier this offseason. He was slated to play a role as a rotational edge behind Arden Key, Jones, and Oladejo. Instead, the Titans are even thinner at a position of weakness.
Borgonzi had reshaped the EDGE room this offseason as part of a shift to get bigger and stouter outside. Carter, listed at 6-foot-5 and 265 pounds, had appeared in 96 career games with 62 starts. Carter totaled 278 tackles, 21.5 sacks and 35 tackles for a loss.
Key, Jones, and Oladejo are now clearly the Titans' top three pass rushers. Sophomore Jaylen Harrell gets bumped up to the fourth spot for now. Borgonzi arguably already needed to acquire another pass rusher this offseason. It becomes non-debatable following Carter's abrupt departure.
Current veterans available on the market include former Titans such as Jadeveon Clowney and DeMarcus Walker. Za'Darius Smith, Matt Judon, and Preston Smith are among the other experienced rushers available. Though the Titans remain in rebuild mode, they should strongly consider adding another defensive end on defense.