The Tennessee Titans are set to make a pretty surprising move, as the team is reportedly expected to release center Ben Jones this offseason.
The news came from AtoZ Sports Nashville’s Buck Reising, who also notes that the Titans gave Jones the option to either retire or be released, which points to the Titans having no intention of keeping Jones.
That’s the most surprising aspect in of all this. Granted, the Titans were set to make major changes upfront in 2023, but Jones was thought to be the one safe entity as long as he decided to not to retire.
Letting Jones go will no doubt make fixing the offensive line more difficult.
The Titans have at least three starters to replace (assuming Aaron Brewer isn’t in line to return to left guard or take over for Jones), and that number will increase to four if Nate Davis leaves in free agency.
Titans fans and media were understandably sad to see Jones let go, and his release left some believing this is a sign the team is indeed rebuilding.
One of the best teammates you could ever have an opportunity to play with! Gave it his all every play every game! https://t.co/rJoaQB3cnk
— Brett Kern (@brettkern6) March 10, 2023
Will always appreciate everything Ben Jones did for the #Titans. Sad day pic.twitter.com/YJuC1dJJkE
— Wes on Broadway (@TitansStats) March 10, 2023
Ben Jones is a Tennessee Titans legend. This video hits different today pic.twitter.com/ZvXcDtzL6h
— Bussin' With The Boys (@BussinWTB) March 10, 2023
Ben Jones the legend #Titans pic.twitter.com/WrXzfsbW7y
— Ryan Mouton (@RMout29) March 10, 2023
Ben Jones was an absolute bad ass in Tennessee. 🫡 to a real one pic.twitter.com/gtr3zviD1w
— Buck Reising (@BuckReising) March 10, 2023
Ben Jones is one of the baddest dudes I’ve ever met, and he was one heck of a Titan. Toughest guy ever. Wishing him the very best of luck with whatever comes next!
— Easton Freeze (@eastonfreeze) March 10, 2023
A possible explanation for the #Titans cutting Ben Jones, and I’m not sure you’re gonna like it:
We’ve heard for a couple years now that internally the Titans really like Aaron Brewer as a potential future for them at Center.
Brewer is an RFA this offseason. Perhaps they want… https://t.co/26vMny9C0g
— Easton Freeze (@eastonfreeze) March 10, 2023
Always felt like a possibility, but obviously still significant. Ben Jones was one of the Titans’ best-ever free agent pick ups. A true pillar/embodiment of the team’s hard-nosed identity.
Saves Tennesse $3.7M against the cap. Possibly looking at 4 new starters on the OL https://t.co/FJlDan24Gz
— Ben Arthur (@benyarthur) March 10, 2023
If Ben Jones aims to continue playing in 2023, and the early indication of the report is that he does, what are the #Titans doing here? Saving $3.7 M w/ dead cap that outweighs that figure?
— Justin M (@JustinM_NFL) March 10, 2023
Sounds like Ben Jones wants to continue to play!
The #Titans will eat more dead money than they will save.
Not sure I agree with this one. https://t.co/LJrcKUAqLs
— TicTacTitans (@TicTacTitans) March 10, 2023
Salute to Ben Jones 🫡💙
7 years to the date (March 10th, 2016) Jones signed with the #Titans pic.twitter.com/qzTPdn1CnK
— Tennessee Tyrant (@TitanUpTalk) March 10, 2023
Ben Jones… THANK U! #Titans
— Titan Anderson Sports🎙 (@TitanAnderson1) March 10, 2023
Wow. Ben Jones didn’t want to retire and Mike Vrabel/Ran Carthon cut him anyway? https://t.co/58nwukouJ2
— Ran GMC(arthon) (@jlomas72) March 10, 2023
Titans are really going into Full Rebuild mode. Once again. Good for them. Ben Jones imo is still a top 10 Center in the league I'd argue the 2nd best Center in Free Agency behind Ethan Pocic. https://t.co/uOi1GztJ0r
— PicknSpreads (@PicknSpreads) March 10, 2023
Ben Jones is the best. Hope he gets healthy and stays healthy.
— Robert Greenlaw (@RobOnBroadway) March 10, 2023
#Titans will save $3.7M against the 2023 cap by releasing Jones, which isn't a ton and makes this move the clearest indication yet that they are indeed looking to truly rebuild. You don't make this move if your intention is to contend in 2023 imo. https://t.co/7cVRpvlFWu
— Mike Herndon (@MikeHerndonNFL) March 10, 2023
Ben jones a damn good center. He will get a nice bag in FA.
— Fehoko Show (@breidenfehoko4) March 10, 2023
Ben Jones was this Titans’ generation Kevin Mawae. Brought leadership and a nastiness that transcended the offensive line and impacted the whole team. Franchise legend.
— Vincenzo (@HeHateV) March 10, 2023
