Titans Release Veteran Linebacker Zach Cunningham As Part of Major Roster Moves

The Titans continue there veteran cuts with linebacker Zach Cunningham who was the fourth player of the day let go by the team in an effort to save salary cap dollars.

NASHVILLE — The Tennessee Titans continue to make cuts in an attempt to maximize their cap space. The fourth cut of the day, Zach Cunningham was released by the team clearing $8.9 million in cap space while eating $4.5 million in dead money on the cap.

The #Titans are also releasing veteran LB Zach Cunningham, per source.

— Tom Pelissero (@TomPelissero) February 22, 2023

Cunningham was claimed off of waivers by the Titans at the end of the 2021 season. He played well during the back half of that season, but was not able to repeat it in 2022. Cunningham only played in six games and when he was healthy struggled to out-perform back-up and special teams ace Dylan Cole at the inside linebacker spot.

In Cunningham’s final season with the Titans he produced only 24 combined tackles with zero quarterback hits, zero tackles for loss and zero sacks. With that impact, or lack thereof, the Titans simply couldn’t pay him the nearly $14 million on the cap.

Along with the release of Taylor Lewan, Robert Woods and Randy Bullock, the Titans have now slashed nearly $38 million off their cap. The Titans were $23 million over the cap before any of the cuts so this would take them to around $15 million, give or take. That is not quite enough to make the moves they need in free agency.

The cuts that are expected to come next include Bud Dupree, Jamarco Jones and potentially Ryan Tannehill. Although, we may be waiting a bit for a resolution on those three. The Titans could choose to hold on to Tannehill to play quarterback next season if a better option doesn’t present itself. Jones would cost the Titans more than they would save even if the penalty on the cap is slightly over $1 million.

As for Dupree, the Titans could choose to cut Dupree as a “Post 6/1” designation. That would take the savings from his release up from $9 million to around $15 million. That savings wouldn’t be available until after June 1, but it could be used to sign the Titans’ draft class and make moves throughout the remainder of the season. It is also possible the Titans are looking to trade Dupree. While they would still eat the $11 million in dead money, recouping some draft picks and still shedding the $9 million could make sense. Dupree is still a starting-level player even if he isn’t worth the $20 million cap hit the Titans are set to take on if he stays.

Taylor Lewan Released: In an expected move, the Tennessee Titans have officially released left tackle Taylor Lewan. With Lewan's release, it appears likely that Tennessee will begin looking for a new long-term starter at left tackle, whether through free agency or the draft. CLICK HERE

Robert Woods Released: According to a report from Jordan Schultz, the Titans are releasing veteran wide receiver Robert Woods. The move will clear $12 million in cap space while leaving behind $2.6 million in dead money. CLICK HERE

Titans' Free Agent Fits - Offensive Tackle: The biggest need the Tennessee Titans have on the roster right now is at left tackle. There will be a bevy of viable options to fill that need in free agency this offseason, at all price points. CLICK HERE