Tennessee Titans offensive lineman Taylor Lewan made it clear this week during an interview with 104.5 The Zone in Nashville that he wants the franchise to keep quarterback Ryan Tannehill in 2022.

“Next year, I think you ride with Tannehill," said Lewan. "He’s going to do what he’s always done for us — give us a fighting chance to win every single week.”

There was no way Lewan wasn't going to publicly back Tannehill. That's his teammate and friend. And slamming your teammate publicly is never a good look.

I never thought Lewan would even come close to that territory, so it wasn't surprising to hear his endorsement of Tannehill.

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However, I think it's possible that Lewan might have another reason why he wants Tannehill to stick around in Nashville for another season.

Lewan's own job security could be in danger if the Titans decide to move on from Tannehill.

Moving on from Tannehill before the 2022 season would be extremely tough for the Titans. Cutting Tannehill would be a $57 million dead cap hit. The only real option would be to trade Tannehill, which would still carry a significant dead cap hit ($28 million in a pre 6/1 trade, $9.6 million in a post 6/1 trade).

And that's IF the Titans can find a trade partner.

In other words, it seems unlikely that Tennessee will move on from Tannehill.

But if they decide it needs to happen, they'll need to free up as much salary as possible.

One easy way to free up salary would be to release Lewan. The Titans would save $12.9 million by releasing the offensive lineman.

Lewan and Tannehill are essentially tied to each other in Nashville.

We know that Lewan wants to stay with the Titans. He's a smart guy. He understands the Titans' salary situation. And he likely understands that if Tannehill gets the boot, so does he.

It makes sense why he'd want Tannehill to stick around with the Titans for at least another year.

Featured image via Christopher Hanewinckel-USA TODAY Sports