NASHVILLE, Tenn. — The Tennessee Titans have made a significant roster move by releasing veteran linebacker Harold Landry III. The decision was primarily driven by the need to clear some salary cap space. Landry, who has been with the team for seven years, was set to count for $24.1 million against the salary cap for the upcoming season. By letting him go, the Titans now rank seventh in the NFL with over $63 million available in salary cap space. Additionally, they hold the No. 1 pick in the April draft.
Landry was a crucial component of the Titans’ defense, leading the team last season with nine sacks and also accumulating 41 pressures. His standout performance included a career-high of 15 tackles for loss. Impressively, he was one of only three NFL players to achieve at least 70 tackles and tackle for loss last season, a feat matched only by Andrew Van Ginkel of the Vikings and Brian Burns of the Giants.
Drafted 41st overall from Boston College in 2018, Landry’s career in Tennessee was highlighted by a Pro Bowl selection in 2021. That year, he achieved a career-best of 12 sacks, which earned him a substantial contract extension in March 2022. However, misfortune struck as the linebacker suffered a torn ACL right before the season’s start.
Resiliently, Landry made a strong return in the 2023 season, registering 10 1/2 sacks. This achievement made him one of only three NFL veterans since 1982 to miss an entire season and come back with double-digit sack numbers. Yet, despite his individual successes, the Titans have faced three consecutive losing seasons. Landry participated in 17 games over the last two years, but ultimately, his contributions did not suffice to reverse the team’s fortunes.
Throughout his career, Landry has started 79 of 98 games and achieved 50 1/2 total sacks. He has had four seasons with nine or more sacks. Alongside the news of Landry’s release, the Titans announced contract extensions for defensive lineman Keondre Coburn and linebacker Otis Reese.
