Tag: Delanie Walker

Titans’ Brett Kern reacts to Delanie Walker, Ryan Succop getting cut

Brett Kern reacted to the news of Delanie Walker and Ryan Succop being released.

Two of the longest-tenured Tennessee Titans players got cut on Friday, as both tight end Delanie Walker and kicker Ryan Succop were released by the team.

The moves to cut Succop and Walker will save Tennessee about $8.4 million, but there’s no doubt some pain involved in letting go of two longtime Titans who contributed a lot to this franchise during their respective tenures.

Titans punter Brett Kern, who has been with the team for 11 years and played with both Succop and Walker throughout their entire time with the franchise, was bummed about the news.

Via Twitter, the Titans thanked both Succop and Walker for their service.

The Titans have now made four big cuts from their roster ahead of free agency when you include Dion Lewis and Cameron Wake. In total, the Titans will have close to $18 million extra to work with this offseason.

We’ll see what the Titans plan to do with the extra money in the coming days, as the legal tampering period (March 16) and official start of free agency (March 18) rapidly approach.

Delanie Walker releases statement after being cut by Titans

Delanie Walker released a statement after being cut by the Titans.

Now former Tennessee Titans tight end Delanie Walker released a statement on Twitter after the team cut him on Friday.

Walker had spent the past seven seasons with the team and helped give the franchise a voice and identity unlike any other player. He was also the lone star on offense during the organization’s darkest days.

Unfortunately, the 35-year-old veteran had trouble staying on the field the past two seasons, leading to him getting cut. The move will save the Titans $6.4 million in 2020.

Walker suffered a brutal ankle injury in 2018 that ended his season after just one game, and that same ankle wasn’t able to fully heal for him to make it all the way back in 2019, resulting in him being placed on IR after seven games played.

Despite this end to his Titans career, there’s a good chance Walker plays in 2020 as long as he’s healthy and he should draw some interest from teams in need of a tight end.

But for now we look back on his career with nothing but fondness and respect. Walker truly left his mark on the Titans forever, and the franchise is fortunate to have had him wearing the two-tone blue for as long as he did.

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Should 49ers target any of NFL’s new free agents?

Delanie Walker and Xavier Rhodes highlight new NFL free agents 49ers may keep an eye on.

The NFL’s free agent pool got a few intriguing new names Friday after the Titans, Vikings and Lions announced the release of several veterans.

With limited cap space to work with, finding veterans cast aside by their former teams on below-market-value deals will be essential for the 49ers as they try to reconstruct a Super Bowl contender for 2020.

Tennessee released former 49ers tight end Delanie Walker, along with kicker Ryan Succop. Minnesota let go of cornerback Xavier Rhodes and defensive lineman Linval Joseph, while the Lions released offensive tackle Rick Wagner.

While the 49ers have higher priorities than adding veteran free agents, we went through each of the players made available Friday to judge whether they’re a realistic target for San Francisco:

TE Delanie Walker

Scott R. Galvin-USA TODAY Sports

A Walker-49ers reunion would be intriguing even though Walker turns 36 in August played only eight games across the last two seasons. A long-term deal probably isn’t feasible, but the do-everything tight end could fit nicely in a reserve role in Kyle Shanahan’s offense. Walker is capable of lining up all over the field and offers a better pass-catching threat than San Francisco currently has behind George Kittle. Ross Dwelley also takes some of the onus off Walker to be on the field for more than a handful of snaps per game. The 49ers don’t necessarily need a tight end, but Walker on a short deal as another dynamic playmaker could benefit the offense while they find a longer-term option behind Kittle.

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Tennessee Titans GM Jon Robinson addresses cutting Delanie Walker

Titans GM Jon Robinson addressed the move to cut Delanie Walker.

Tennessee Titans general manager Jon Robinson addressed the team’s moves to cut Dion Lewis, Cameron Wake, Ryan Succop and Delanie Walker over the past few days.

According to Jim Wyatt of Titans Online, Robinson released a general statement thanking all of the players who the team has parted ways with.

“Over the last two days I have had the difficult task of informing a number of our players they are being released,” Titans General Manager Jon Robinson said. “These aren’t easy conversations, but I want to thank each of them for the significant contributions they have made to our organization both on and off the field. They each played a part in our success last year in ways big and small.”

No cut was bigger than that of Walker, who had spent the last seven seasons with the team and gave the franchise an identity, on top of being its best player for much of his tenure.

Robinson addressed Walker specifically.

“In particular, I would like to address Delanie Walker and his impact,” Robinson continued. “In my time here with Delanie, he has been an absolute pro on the field, in the locker room, and his production speaks for itself. He was a leader, a captain, and a highly respected member of this team. His toughness, competitiveness, attitude and professionalism are what we expect from our players. I want to wish him all of the best moving forward and he will forever be a Titan great.”

The writing was on the wall that each of these players could be cut, but it’s still almost surreal that Walker won’t be a Titan in 2020 after all he has contributed to the team over the years.

Despite all that, the Titans made the right move. The 35-year-old had played in just eight games over the past two seasons as a result of an ankle injury he suffered in 2018, and per Wyatt he had “failed physical” attached to his designation, which might mean he still isn’t fully recovered.

Report: Tennessee Titans release TE Delanie Walker

The Titans have released Delanie Walker.

The Tennessee Titans have released longtime tight end Delanie Walker, according to ESPN’s Field Yates.

Walker was set to make $8.2 million in 2020, but the move to cut him will save the Titans about $6.4 million.

Walker spent seven seasons with Tennessee and was routinely the best offensive player on the team for years. However, an ankle injury he suffered in 2018 led to him playing in just eight games combined the last two seasons.

The move to cut Walker comes on the heels of the Titans also cutting Dion Lewis, Cameron Wake and Ryan Succop. In total, the Titans will have nearly $18 million extra to spend this offseason.

Titans’ Delanie Walker shows receipts for why he shouldn’t get cut

Delanie Walker made the case for why he shouldn’t get cut this offseason.

“Draft a (expletive) tight end. He’s still not going to play.”

It’s not hard to recall when Delanie Walker said those words last year as he aimed to come back from an ankle injury suffered in 2018 and prove that the Tennessee Titans didn’t need a new starting tight end.

His eventual return in 2019 lasted for a short time before he found himself sidelined again, with Jonnu Smith left to rise to the occasion.

Smith did just that, and the Titans have another talented name at tight end in Anthony Firkser at their disposal as well.

Now that it’s the offseason and time for the team to make some changes with free agency and the 2020 NFL Draft looming, Walker could be on the chopping block — and he’s well aware of his doubters.

One tweet he hit “send” on showcased that perfectly.

Walker listed stats from the 2014-17 seasons, concluding by saying, “I love the hate just remember I put up them numbers whenever one knew I was getting the ball don’t get it twisted.”

Will the Titans keep Walker on board as they prepare to make another run for the Super Bowl in 2020?

We should get an answer to that question soon.

Bears have been exploring potential trades at tight end

If there’s one thing that’s clear, it’s that the Bears are doing everything to ensure that tight end won’t be an issue in 2020.

The Bears are doing their due diligence when it comes to the tight end position this offseason. This after a season where Chicago’s tight ends collectively failed to make any positive impact in an overall disappointing season.

There have been reports that Chicago is interested in pursing free-agent-to-be Austin Hooper, who is certainly the best tight end set to hit free agency. While the Bears would certainly love to bring in one of the game’s best to fix a position integral to Matt Nagy’s offense, it doesn’t seem likely.

Given the Bears’ salary cap situation, it’s unlikely that they’ll be able to afford someone like Hooper, whose going rate looks to be around $10 million per season in what’s poised to be a competitive market.

But that doesn’t mean Chicago’s options at tight end are completely off the table. According to The Athletic‘s Adam Jahns, the Bears have been inquiring about potential trades at tight end.

One of those names that Jahns mentioned could be available is former first-round pick Hayden Hurst. He’s competing with Mark Andrews and Nick Boyle for playing time with the Ravens, and perhaps the Bears could get Baltimore to listen to a possible offer.

Other names mentioned as possible targets include Tampa’s Cameron Brate, Denver’s Jeff Heuerman, Pittsburgh’s Vance McDonald, Tennessee’s Delanie Walker and Green Bay’s Jimmy Graham.

Chicago has already added Demetrius Harris, who has experience in Nagy’s offense. Harris’ one-year $1.15 million deal gives the Bears some financial leeway to bring in another veteran acquisition given their salary cap limitations.

The Bears have also spent plenty of time talking to tight end prospects, and it wouldn’t be a surprise for Chicago to select a tight end in the NFL Draft.

If there’s one thing that’s clear, it’s that the Bears are doing everything to ensure that tight end won’t be an issue in 2020. But that remains to be seen.

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Will Titans’ Jonnu Smith follow in the footsteps of Delanie Walker?

Stepping up in veteran pass-catcher Delanie Walker’s place is a tall order, but Jonnu Smith his risen to the occasion.

There’s plenty of talk about what the Tennessee Titans should do to keep their current offense intact by retaining quarterback Ryan Tannehill, running back Derrick Henry and right tackle Jack Conklin.

These guys have undoubtedly contributed to the Titans’ success in a way that hardly any other player has, but more quietly productive players like tight end Jonnu Smith have also made an impact.

Stepping up in veteran pass-catcher Delanie Walker’s place is a tall order, and Smith his risen to the occasion. In 2019, he reeled in 35 of 44 targets for 439 yards and three touchdowns.

In the previous year, he got off to a miserably slow start while Walker was injured, leading many to believe that he would find himself among the team’s roster cuts.

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But he bounced back toward the end of 2018, ending the season with 20 receptions on 30 targets for 258 yards and three touchdowns.

Walker had high praise for Smith last season, saying that he just continued to get better week to week.

“Jonnu has been absolutely ballin’. It makes me happy to see him ballin’ like he is, going out there and making plays while I’m not there,” he told me last year. “I already knew that was going to be the case. Just the demeanor he has, the work ethic, the work he puts in every day. I’m excited for him. He gets better every year. Next thing you know, he’s going to be that star tight end. Everything everyone is looking for in a tight end.”

Titans head coach Mike Vrabel also commended Smith for his focus and willingness to be coached, which is something Walker himself has been known for.

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“He is a tireless worker, and he has a great attitude,” Vrabel explained to Jim Wyatt of Titans Online. “He comes to work every single day ready to learn, ready to improve. He is focused in meetings. (Tight ends coach) Todd Downing has worked very well with him one-on-one.”

Walker, who some have predicted to be a potential roster cut ahead of the 2020 season, wants to remain with the Titans after another injury-shortened season in 2019, per Wyatt.

“I got a year on my contract and I’m a Titan, so as long as the organization wants me here and believes in me, I’ll always be a Titan.”

After being placed on IR, Walker admitted it was tough to have to watch his team from the sideline and not be able to help.

“It hurts that I’m not able to help my team out and they’re doing such a good job this year, but I’m excited about what’s going on right now with the team,” Walker told Wyatt. “And that’s the disappointing part, that I feel like I’m letting myself down and the team down not being able to perform at the highest level. But I know once I get this taken care of, I’ll be back to normal and that’s the goal.”

Walker wasn’t the only player who had a difficult time watching from the bench this season, with quarterback Marcus Mariota keeping him company midway through the season, but under much different circumstances.

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“Marcus has been a trooper, a team player,” Walker told Titans Wire. “Always communicating with Ryan (Tannehill). If Ryan doesn’t see something, he’ll point it out. There’s been no change in his demeanor. That’s true professionalism right there.”

Regardless of Walker’s future with the Titans, there’s no question he’s been one of the team’s most key players on offense, totaling 381 receptions for 4,423 yards and 28 touchdowns over 84 games for the team.

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5 players Tennessee Titans can cut to create more cap space

These five Titans could be on the chopping block in 2020.

If the Tennessee Titans want to clear up more cap space for what should be a busy 2020 offseason, cutting players is one way to do it.

After signing tight end Anthony Firkser and wide receiver Cameron Batson, the Titans have 20 of their own free agents remaining, but also have to look to outside the organization to bring in help via free agency.

If general manager Jon Robinson wants more wiggle room than the roughly $50 million he has to spend now, he could look to cut some or all of the following players.

All contract figures are courtesy of Over the Cap.

Dion Lewis | RB

2020 savings: $4 million

Since the Titans signed him to a four-year, $19.8 million deal in 2018, Lewis has been nothing short of a disappointment. With Derrick Henry running wild in 2019, Lewis failed to be effective in his limited reps.

The Titans could part ways with the veteran and bring in a younger, cheaper option that can be an asset on third downs. That will most likely happen through the 2020 NFL Draft.

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Titans add free agent TE Cole Herdman

The Tennessee Titans signed free agent tight end Cole Herdman on Monday afternoon.

The Tennessee Titans signed free agent tight end Cole Herdman on Monday afternoon.

Herdman (6 feet 4, 238 pounds) originally signed with the Baltimore Ravens as an undrafted free agent last year, spending time on the practice squad with the Ravens and the Detroit Lions.

So, what does this mean for the Titans?

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Herdman was unable to make the 53-man roster in Baltimore or Detroit, so he’s likely just a player Tennessee is experimenting with who could potentially serve as a run blocker in certain situations.

The potential for Herdman — or any player in the Titans’ tight ends room — to make the final roster will increase greatly if the team parts ways with veteran Delanie Walker, who has struggled with an ankle injury.

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