Cutting edge Harold Landry's impact on what the Titans do with the No. 1 overall pick in the NFL Draft
New blood is needed
NASHVILLE — Edge defender Harold Landry is being released by the Tennessee Titans. It does not change the trajectory for Tennessee, who holds the No. 1 overall pick in this year's NFL Draft.
The Titans planned to overhaul their defense front regardless of Landry's release.
Releasing Harold Landry does not lock Titans into edge at No. 1
The best prospect in the 2025 NFL draft class by near consensus is Penn State edge Abdul Carter.
Tennessee could use their top choice to add Carter, an instant impact player. Their preference under first-year general manager Mike Borgonzi, however, is to trade out of their current slot in an effort to add additional picks. Obviously, no deal can come to fruition for the Titans if they do not receive sufficient compensation.
Borgonzi could certainly do worse than Carter.
“They don't have an edge player," said Greg Cosell of NFL Films at the league's annual scouting combine last week of the Titans. "Every team wants to have someone that… First, obviously, can rush the quarterback off the edge, but then, the second part of that equation, that changes the way offenses, particularly in pure pass situations, have to play against you.
"Because when you have a big time edge player, unless you have big time offensive tackles, very often what you see on tape in the NFL… And let's people remember, that's what we're doing here. We're talking about playing in the NFL now. Very often what you see is you see teams that have to chip an edge player, or keep a tight end or a back in, which means there's one less eligible receiver. So you win the numbers game defensively, theoretically, before the play starts, because now there's one less eligible receiver that's out as a primary option. So Carter is, I've done (his tape), he's very explosive.”
Landry led the Titans with nine sacks en route to the team's 3-14 finish.
His 30 total pressures ranked 104th among qualified edge players and defensive linemen. Given that Landry played over 83% of the team's defensive snaps, Landry's impact was insufficient. Tennessee current defensive front players under contract include defensive linemen Jeffery Simmons, T'Vondre Sweat and Keondre Coburn in addition to edge rushers Arden Key and Jaylen Harrell.
Releasing Landry, 28, saves the Tennessee $10.9 million in cap space after he was granted permission to seek a trade one week ago.
Featured Image: USA TODAY Sports.
