The longest tenured Titan’s time with the team has come to an end with the team releasing veteran DB Jason McCourty on Thursday ending his 8 year run with the team. McCourty was cut as he and the team were unable to come to an agreement on a restructuring of his 2012 deal that would have seen him make $7 million this season. While the move wasn’t completely out of left field given the teams commitment to reinforcing their secondary with the big money signings of Logan Ryan and Johnathan Cyprien, it still comes as a shock to many Titans fans. McCourty is the type of player that every team wants to have. A tough, reliable, and trustworthy veteran who never shied away from taking accountability in leading the secondary. It wasn’t uncommon to see McCourty gathering up the defensive backs after practice to do pushups for errors they made during that session. That should be the legacy of Jason McCourty as a Titan. A consummate professional who despite playing on some pretty bleak at times teams never once complained or said a negative word about any of it. McCourty was more than a team leader though as he was also the teams player rep for the NFLPA and wasn’t shy about speaking out when it came to the various duties and responsibilities that came along with that title chiefly about player safety and rights. Jason McCourty was the quiet backbone of the Titans defense for quite a few seasons rarely getting the credit he deserved despite his accolades including leading the league in tackles for cornerbacks. Jason made many contributions to the team both on and off the court as well as how much he was able to give back and help the community. Jason had many great charity endeavors while in Nashville including an auction to help support he and Devin’s Tackle Sickle Cell charity. On behalf of the city of Nashville thank you Jason McCourty for being a great contributor to the city of Nashville as well as a model professional athlete for your teammates and young players.
Looking ahead this pretty much shows the Titans hand as far as plans moving forward. With Johnathan Cyprien signed to assumedly play a similar role as he did in Jacksonville close to the box this should free up second year free safety Kevin Byard to play a more center field role in the secondary. With Logan Ryan signed to play the slot the Titans will want to see whether or not second year players Kalan Reed and LeShaun Sims can improve on good rookie campaigns from last season. Cutting McCourty all but guarantees the Titans take corner in the first round of this draft with one of their two picks. What do you think Titans fans? Contact me on Twitter @kevingwilcox11 to share with me your thoughts on what the Titans will do during the draft or with the players that are now on the team to solidify the secondary for the upcoming season.
Kevin Wilcox
2016 Titans Radio Regular Season Intern
