Man, it's always painful as a fan to watch some players be let go, and sign elsewhere. That's how it goes though. Titans GM Jon Robinson is usually pretty surehanded when it comes to making tough decisions like this. I'd say at least two of these players are being let go because of salary cap purposes, rather than the players not producing on the field.
Offensive Guard Rodger Saffold is released
Seeing Rodger be let go is pretty tough for like a bunch of reasons. His departure is probably the toughest loss for the Titans of all these five players in this list.
Rodger Saffold was a pretty big off-season signing back in 2019, and overall he played really well in Tennessee! He seemed to be a pretty good player, and solid leader for the team as well. Always seemed pretty positive in general.
Saffold easily started in like 90-95 percent of all the Titans' games these past three seasons. Definitely healthy and reliable virtually every Sunday.
There's no doubt about it, Saffold's release has got to be because of salary cap purposes. It will be tough to replace Saffold!
In his three years with the Titans, Saffold started and played in 51 games, including the playoffs, and went to his one and only Pro Bowl this past season. Pretty nice that his only Pro Bowl so far is in two-tone blue!
It didn't take long for Saffold to find a new home, just four days after being let go by the Titans, he signed a contract with the Buffalo Bills. Tough to see that a talented guy like him will be in AFC. The Titans already know they play the Bills in 2022. Yikes.
There's easily a good handful of productive years left for Saffold! I'm grateful for the years he had in Tennessee. Hopefully he sees more success in the future!
Thanks Rodger!
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This was what Mr. Saffold had to say as a goodbye via his Twitter!
WR Julio Jones is released
Ah yes, Julio Jones is being let go unfortunately. The Titans took a mild gamble on Julio, and well ultimately the results were pretty disappointing.
Julio was injured at least half of the 2021 season. As a result, along with Derrick and A.J. being injured frequently, the three headed offensive monster Titans' fans wished to see, just never came to be in Tennessee.
Still, I can see the big picture pretty well, and I will say that it's pretty cool that a legend like Julio was a Titan for a season. When Julio was on the field his impact definitely helped the Titans win a game or two or more.
Also, there were some moments, some flashes of great plays by Julio this past season.
He had a single 100 yard receiving performance against the Seahawks way back in September. That was a fun performance to watch.
Julio also had a pretty memorable catch off a deflection against the Bills back in October.
Julio's lone TD as a Titan came in an important game, the final game of the 21-22 season, to claim the AFC number one seed against a division rival, the Texans. It was a pretty clutch TD!
Julio's time in Tennessee wasn't jaw dropping, but I definitely will remember and appreciate the memories! Hall of Famer on the Titans, pretty sweet. There's still a few good years left for Julio I believe.
Julio caught 31 passes, for 434 yards, and 1 touchdown in 2021 for the Titans.
From a team standpoint, it saves the Titans money, and Julio's production hopefully shouldn't be too hard to replace.
Good luck and thanks, Julio.
CB Jackrabbit Jenkins, OL Kendall Lamm, and RB Darrynton Evans are released
These three players are not quite as heartbreaking to see go really. I mean it is arguable that Lamm and Jenkins are bigger losses than Julio since they actually played more and Jenkins was actually a starter. But I mean, Julio is an absolute legend. In addition, Lamm and Jenkins also were only on the team for one season. They are both vets that hopefully can be replaced without IMMENSE difficulty.
Kendall Lamm is a solid lineman that played some valuable snaps as a backup lineman. Lamm appeared in 12 games, and started once.
Jackrabbit Jenkins was actually a starter and really played pretty decently overall. Although there were some bad moments here and there. He's getting a bit older also. All in all letting go of Jenkins makes some sense. Jenkins appeared in 14 games and started 13 in 2021. He also recorded one interception and a forced fumble.
Lastly, Darrynton Evans is released. Once upon a time there was some mild hype around Evans. I had high hopes for him to become a strong second running back next to Derrick Henry. But the guy just never played really. He was a former third round draft pick in 2020 and he basically just faded away due to injuries, apparently. Basically Evans was a bust. Hate to see it. In two seasons as a Titan and as an NFL player, Evans appeared in six games. He accumulated 61 rushing yards, 4 receptions for 38 yards and 1 touchdown reception.
What do you think of these players being let go? What do you think the future holds for these players?
The Titans have replaced some of these players already. Still catching up on Titans news!
