The Titans have apparently seen enough out of linebacker Vic Beasley. The team announced that they’ll be cutting the veteran on Wednesday.
While Beasley hadn’t even been with the Titans for a full year, his stint in Tennessee was still plenty tumultuous. He inked a one-year deal containing $9.5MM in guaranteed money back in March, but he was placed on the Titans’ reserve/did not report during training camp. He eventually reported in mid-August, but there was never a true explanation for his no-show. Plus, while the two sides reiterated that they had been in contact throughout his absence, the Titans were also clear that the truancy was unexcused.
That wasn’t the end of things. Beasley subsequently failed his physical was placed on the PUP list, and he was finally activated by the Titans in early September. He made his debut in Week 3 for Tennessee, but he’s mostly played in a platoon role; his season-high in defensive snaps played was this past weekend against the Bengals. In total, the 28-year-old’s Titans career will end with only three tackles and one forced fumble in five games played.
Following a standout career at Clemson, the Falcons made Beasley the eighth-overall pick in the 2015 draft. The linebacker’s tenure with the Falcons was a bit trick-or-treat; after playing a giant role in the Falcons winning the NFC Championship in 2016 (15.5 sacks, six forced fumbles), he combined for only 10 sacks between the 2017 and 2018 campaign. There’s a chance a rival team ends up taking a chance on the 28-year-old; a team would owe him only $1.85MM of his remaining 2020 salary, per ESPN’s Field Yates (on Twitter).
It’s been a busy few days for the Titans. The organization cut cornerback Johnathan Joseph earlier today, and they acquired cornerback/return specialist Desmond King in a trade with the Chargers yesterday.
Clowney and beasly combined 0 sacks
At least Clowney is playing. Couldn’t say the same for Beasley.
Retire Vic. You made your money and can enjoy coaching or relaxing; whatever you want to do.
Coach? He doesn’t even show up. Who is gonna pay him to coach?
Wait… Clowney has no sacks?
Clowney is a terrific run stopper on the edge and gets lots of backfield pressures but very few sacks. He has never had a 10 sack season. If fact, Jacob Martin ( part of Seattle trade) has had more sacks in far, far fewer plays.
I wonder if the Titans will try to claw back some of that guaranteed cash, as it isn’t chump change. It is interesting that you always hear about how NFL contracts are ethereal because most of the back end money never gets earned – but yet here you have all the money guaranteed and the guy stiffs them.