The Tennessee Titans announced Tuesday that they have released two-time Pro Bowl safety Michael Griffin after nine seasons with the team.
Griffin, 31, was a first-round pick of the Titans back in 2007. He’s started 133 of a possible 144 games with the squad in nine years, earning Pro Bowl spots in 2008 and 2010.
Whether it’s due to deteriorating skills or something else, Griffin has taken a major step back in recent seasons. This past year, the free safety was among the worst players at his position in terms of coverage — an important aspect of the game for the role he was asked to play.
By releasing Griffin, Tennessee will save $6.5 million against the cap.
It’s a move that was expected. After all, an $8.3 million cap hit for a player that simply wasn’t performing up to level was something the Titans simply couldn’t justify anymore.
Griffin ends his Titans career having recorded 761 tackles and 25 interceptions.