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INDIANAPOLIS – Before they allowed his representation to seek a trade, the Titans started down the path of asking the veteran edge to take a pay cut. That was not even a conversation starter.
Multiple teams have checked in with agent Tommy Condon. I’d presume two are the Giants and Patriots as Mike Vrabel and Shane Bowen coached Landry when he was at his peak.
However, the Titans are not optimistic that they will receive anything in exchange for their 2018 second-round pick and are not in a hurry to resolve the situation.
Landry's base salary is $17.25 million in 2025, but it is not guaranteed. (Photo courtesy Titans.)
Cutting him before June 1 would leave behind a dead cap charge of $13.1 million and save the team $10.95 million per Over the Cap. Post June 1, it would put $6.55 million on the 2025 and 2026 caps, saving the Titans all $17.5 million this year.
In six seasons, Landry has 50.5 sacks, including 10.5 in 2023 in his first year back from a season lost to ACL repair and nine last year.
But he’s been less dynamic and explosive since he ripped up the knee in a practice before the 2022 season. He’s a speed edge who no longer plays with great speed.
He remains, however, a diligent preparer who is consistently on the field, working. Even in the year back from surgery, he played 73 percent of the Titans’ defensive snaps. He followed that up with 83 percent.
Even if he were to remain on the Titans, highly unlikely now, edge was a high-priority need. Now given what’s 
going to be available in free agency, I won’t be surprised if they hit the position twice in their eight picks in the April draft.
Arden Key is their one proven player at the position, with Ali Gaye and Khali Duke also under contract.
Abdul Carter of Penn State is regarded by many as the best player in the draft and a strong candidate for the Titans at No. 1 or in a trade-down scenario where a quarterback goes first to someone else.
Carter said he is 6-foot-3 and 248 pounds. Landy is 6.2, 252 so the newcomer would be in the same physical mold.
