The Tennessee Titans have made a bold move by hiring Robert Saleh as their head coach, and they've doubled down on offensive firepower by bringing in Brian Daboll as the offensive coordinator. While Daboll's stint as head coach in New York had its ups and downs, his track record with the Bills from 2018-2021 speaks volumes about his ability to craft a potent offense.
However, Daboll's success hinges on the talent surrounding him. General Manager Mike Borgonzi faces the task of building a strong supporting cast around quarterback Cam Ward. A significant decision looms on the horizon, as the Titans evaluate their roster for potential cap casualties.
One name that stands out is wide receiver Calvin Ridley. Following the Miami Dolphins' release of Tyreek Hill, Ridley has emerged as a potential cap casualty.
His performance hasn't quite matched the expectations set by his four-year, $92 million contract. In his first season, Ridley recorded 64 receptions for 1,017 yards and four touchdowns.
However, last season, he played only seven games, managing just 17 catches for 303 yards without finding the end zone.
Financially, releasing Ridley could provide substantial cap relief. Designating him as a post-June 1 release would free up $18.4 million, with only $8 million in dead money. This move seems almost inevitable, given the new coaching regime and the opportunity to save significant money.
While there's always a possibility that Daboll could find a way to integrate Ridley into a system that revitalizes his career in 2026, it's not surprising to anticipate Ridley's departure from Nashville soon. Of course, nothing is set in stone, and surprises are always possible. Ridley could potentially stay if he agrees to a pay cut.
As free agency approaches, the Titans have critical decisions to make, and Ridley's future with the team is certainly one of them. Fans should keep an eye on this developing situation as the Titans look to shape their roster for the upcoming season.