In a move that has stunned many across the league, the Tennessee Titans have reportedly released veteran cornerback Chidobe Awuzie, per NFL insider Adam Schefter. The decision raises eyebrows, especially given that it does not appear to provide significant financial relief for the team.
Awuzie, 28, signed with the Titans earlier in free agency, bringing veteran leadership and solid coverage skills to Tennessee’s secondary. The former Dallas Cowboys and Cincinnati Bengals defensive back was expected to play a key role in a unit that struggled at times last season. However, his tenure with the team has come to an abrupt and unexpected end before even playing a game in a Titans uniform.
The decision to part ways with Awuzie leaves questions about the team’s plans in the secondary. Tennessee’s cornerback group is already in flux, with Kristian Fulton set to test free agency and second-year player Roger McCreary still developing. The move may indicate the Titans’ confidence in younger options or their intention to target another veteran on the market.
From a financial perspective, the Titans do not gain much cap relief by releasing Awuzie, making the move even more puzzling. His deal was structured in a way that did not heavily impact their salary cap, and there were no known reports of injury concerns.
With the Titans making aggressive moves this offseason under new head coach Brian Callahan, it’s possible they have a specific replacement in mind. However, for now, this decision leaves fans and analysts speculating about the team’s direction and how they plan to strengthen their secondary moving forward.