Tennessee Titans Rumors: Michael Roos on the chopping block?
Tennessee Titans tackle Michael Roos (71) blocks against the Jacksonville Jaguars. Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports
The Tennessee Titans didn’t have a need at offensive tackle going into the 2014 NFL Draft, but they decided that Taylor Lewan was just too good to pass up on at No. 11. With Justin Gilbert and Anthony Barr off the board, the move made sense, especially since veteran left tackle Michael Roos will hit free agency next season. Although the Titans did sign Michael Oher to a sizeable contract this offseason, Lewan should be a significantly better player than Oher, who is being overpaid to start at right tackle.
More from Tennessee Titans
- 2023 NFL Season: 3 teams who are already doomed
- Ranking the 5 best NFL uniform changes for the 2023 season
- Malik Willis should be on the Washington Commanders radar
- Three 2023 free agents who won’t live up to their contract
- DeAndre Hopkins ends FA saga, signs with Tennessee Titans
Roos’s contract may end in 2015, but it’s possible that the Titans could cut ties with the 31-year-old before then. TitanInsider.com’s Terry McCormick reports that “there is talk” that the Titans “might move” Roos this offseason after drafting Lewan, and it’s interesting to note that McCormick didn’t explicitly state “release” or “cut”, meaning that the Titans would likely place Roos on the trading block in an effort to gauge interest.
That said, nobody would be crazy enough to show interest in somebody set to make $6.625 million in base salary on an expiring contract, so the Titans would have to release Roos if they truly want to save money. I have a strong feeling they already regret giving that deal to Oher, and Lewan is too good to keep on the bench as a rookie. If the Titans decide to keep Roos around and suck up the cap hit (he’s still a great player, after all), then Lewan should start over Oher. But if they cut ties with Roos this offseason, then Lewan will protect Jake Locker’s blindside in 2014.