Delanie Walker‘s lengthy Titans tenure will end after seven seasons. The team announced the release of its longtime tight end.
The 35-year-old target had battled injuries in recent seasons but wraps up his Tennessee stay with three Pro Bowls on his resume. Injuries limited Walker to just eight games over the past two seasons, however, and it’s fair to wonder if this will be it for the 14-year veteran. For what it’s worth, Walker said in December he planned to play a 15th season in 2020.
While Walker’s work decreased in recent years, he was one of the league’s premier tight ends for an extended stretch. After leaving his post as Vernon Davis‘ backup in San Francisco, Walker thrived after signing with Tennessee. From 2014-17, he posted four straight 800-plus-yard seasons.
Tennessee used Jonnu Smith as its primary receiving tight end last season and received some contributions from Anthony Firkser as well. They combined for more than 600 yards and look to be the players tasked with succeeding Walker going into the 2020s.
This move will create more than $6MM in cap space for the Titans, who opened $2MM earlier Friday by releasing Ryan Succop. Tennessee has not re-signed Ryan Tannehill, Derrick Henry or Jack Conklin. The Titans are running out of time but are now north of $66MM in cap space. Only a handful of teams possess more.
good he’s a bumb
Walker is far from a bum, show some respect.
Delanie, when healthy, has been one of the most underrated TEs in the league over the past several years.
He’s been known primarily for his work as a pass catching threat, and as an excellent threat to extend plays after the catch, but Walker has always been a very solid run blocker as well.
If not for the absurd myriad of injuries that slowly but surely sapped Delanie of his explosiveness, he could have cemented himself as one of the best over the past decade or so..
Also, let’s not forget, Walker was able to put up some extremely successful seasons while never really playing for a very talented QB, primarily in TE..
I absolutely hated seeing Delanie leave SF, but he would have always been the #2 to V.Davis. With that said, I’m glad he was able to shine as a Titan, and finally get his moment in the spotlight. Walker might not ever truly get his recognition for just how versatile and excellent he was as an offensive weapon, but rest assured those that played for and against him know Delanie Walker was a special talent, a hard worker, and a great man!!
You obviously know nothing about football! Walker is in the top 25 in receptions, yards and TD’s by a TE. He did this while playing second fiddle to Vernon Davis for half of his career. He also was a hell of a blocker! Yeah he’s had injury issues at age 34 & 35, but most TE’s don’t even make it to 30. The targeting rules have affected TE’s probably more than any position, it can’t be fun having guys launching at their knees everytime they have the ball. I’m not a fan of either of his teams, but I can appreciate a good player when I see one. Lay off the Rum & Coke guy!
Sad that the biggest up and coming team has so many key players hitting the market