After failing to find a trade partner, the Tennessee Titans decided to release Pro Bowl pass rusher Harold Landry. Landry, a former second-round pick, spent the entirety of his career with the Titans.
Landry reaches free agency following a strong campaign with the Tennessee Titans. Starting and appearing in all 17 games, the veteran finished his season with nine sacks, 71 tackles, 15 tackles-for-loss, 15 quarterback hits, and a 70.5 PFF grade, the 35th-best mark out of 119 eligible players. Despite his strong performance, the Titans finished the season with a 3-14 record and the first-overall pick in the draft.
Tennessee Titans Release Harold Landry After Trade Talks Falter
Possible Fits
The most likely destination for Harold Landry is the New England Patriots. After the Jerod Mayo Era ended in disaster, New England hired Mike Vrabel to take the reigns and build a competitive roster around franchise quarterback Drake Maye. However, even though they have a quarterback in place, this team is not one or two players away from serious contention. Harold Landry will provide a much-needed presence on the edge, and the Patriots have the cap space to sign the veteran without impacting their ability to address the offensive line and wide receiver position.
The Carolina Panthers, meanwhile, ignored the defense last year as they built an environment that could support 2023 first-overall pick Bryce Young. Now, it’s time for them to fix the other side of the ball. Harold Landry isn’t a superstar, but he’s more than capable of providing an adequate pass rush when paired with Jadeveon Clowney and a potential top-10 pick.
Last, but certainly not least, are the Kansas City Chiefs. The reigning Super Bowl champions tried in vain to find an adequate pass rusher opposite George Karlaftis over the past few seasons. Former first-round pick Felix Anudike-Uzomah looks like a bust, while the Josh Uche trade blew up in their face. Harold Landry may be on the older side, but he’d be a perfect fit following his Titans release.
History
Harold Landry originally entered the league as a second-round pick in the 2018 NFL Draft. Selected by the Titans, the Boston College product began his career as a situational player. Appearing in 15 games while making three starts, the rookie finished his inaugural season with 4.5 sacks, 44 tackles, five tackles-for-loss, and 14 quarterback hits.
The pass rusher built on his promising rookie season by earning a full-time starting job. During his time on the field, Landry recorded nine sacks, 68 tackles, 12 tackles-for-loss, and 14 quarterback hits. With his help, Tennessee made the AFC Championship Game but ultimately fell to the eventual Super Bowl champion Kansas City Chiefs.
Following a relatively pedestrian 2020, Harold Landry had his best season in the final year of his rookie contract. Starting in all 17 games, the veteran recorded 12 sacks, 75 tackles, 14 tackles-for-loss, and 22 quarterback hits while making his first Pro Bowl.
The Titans rewarded Harold Landry with a massive contract extension following his breakout season. Unfortunately, he tore his ACL just before the start of the 2022 season and missed the entire campaign. Fortunately, he returned in 2023 and found his old form with 10.5 sacks.
Since signing his rookie contract, Harold Landry has appeared in 98 games while making 79 starts. While on the field, the Boston College product recorded 50.5 sacks, 397 tackles, 70 tackles-for-loss, and 102 quarterback hits.
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