The Tennessee Titans just pulled a roster move that has everyone scratching their heads! Why cut a starting center who was praised all camp? It’s not as simple as it seems. Dive into the complex roster gymnastics and what this means for the team’s offensive line. Are the Titans playing chess while everyone else is playing checkers?
The arduous process of NFL roster cutdown week often unveils perplexing decisions, and the Tennessee Titans’ recent moves have certainly sparked considerable debate. Among the most surprising transactions was the initial release of Corey Levin, a veteran offensive lineman who had started at center throughout the preseason and earned consistent praise from the coaching staff. This move, initially viewed with widespread confusion, has prompted a deeper look into the team’s intricate roster management strategies.
Corey Levin’s unexpected departure from the initial 53-man roster sent ripples through the Tennessee Titans fanbase and media alike. He was not only a reliable veteran with years of valuable reserve experience but was also projected to potentially fill in as the starting center for the first few games while Lloyd Cushenberry recovered from a significant injury. His consistent performance and leadership in training camp had seemingly solidified his position as an indispensable NFL Offensive Line asset.
However, the seemingly confusing move soon revealed itself as a classic case of NFL Roster Cuts gymnastics. It has been widely reported that Levin was always intended for the practice squad, a common maneuver involving “willing vested veterans” who agree to short-term releases to allow teams to temporarily protect younger, waiver-eligible players. This strategic play allows the Titans to retain depth without exposing promising talent to other teams.
The primary driver behind this particular maneuver appears to be the team’s deliberate strategy of “hoarding tackles.” With other NFL teams consistently desperate for quality offensive line talent, the Titans prioritized shielding their promising young linemen from waiver claims. This approach is exemplified by players like Crenshaw-Dickson, who received a significant financial commitment and garnered strong interest during training camp, making him a prime candidate for poaching if exposed to waivers.
This intricate Team Strategy necessitated a discussion with Levin well in advance, where an agreement was likely reached for him to facilitate these roster moves. Such arrangements are not uncommon across the league, enabling teams to manipulate the roster rules to their advantage, particularly during the volatile period of final roster reductions. Levin’s history with the Titans suggests a precedent for his involvement in such transactions, showcasing his commitment to the organization.
Crucially, these NFL Roster Cuts and subsequent practice squad placements are intrinsically linked to the team’s confidence in Lloyd Cushenberry’s recovery timeline. The coaching staff has expressed optimism regarding Cushenberry’s progress from an Achilles injury. The readiness of their projected starting center for Week 1 against the Denver Broncos in 2025 is a critical factor that allows the Tennessee Titans to execute such nuanced roster management with less risk.
Ultimately, the initial confusion surrounding Corey Levin’s release gives way to a clearer understanding of the Tennessee Titans’ comprehensive Team Strategy. It highlights their commitment to developing young talent like Crenshaw-Dickson while maintaining veteran depth and showing confidence in their starting players. The moves underscore a meticulous approach to building a formidable NFL Offensive Line for the upcoming season, aiming to maximize both immediate competitiveness and future potential.
