Thanks to the NFL reducing teams' salary caps the Titans had some tough decisions to make.

GM Jon Robinson chose to make the tough decisions in the secondary. Which I suppose if we are being absolutely realistic it made some sense. Kenny Vaccaro and Malcolm Butler are absolutely quality players, no doubt about it. But considering the team did struggle on defense, pretty much in every aspect, defense was a decent place to make some tough calls. Vaccaro and Butler did cost a decent penny, probably some of the more expensive contracts overall. By cutting them the team does save some money. Combine the fact that the Titans struggled on defense and the fact that Vaccaro and Butler are SOMEWHAT aging I suppose overall it was a decent decision considering the circumstances.

My heart as a Titans fan though, does break a little.

These two were starters. High quality dudes with consistent effort. A lot of memories watching these two play! Everything you want in legit ball players. Tough, skilled and smart and always gave all they had.

Both players played for the Tennessee Titans for three seasons. They were a big part of the core of the secondary. Three solid years for sure.

In three years with the Titans Butler recorded:

• 9 interceptions
• 2 defensive touchdowns
• 201 combined tackles
• 35 passes defended
• 1 forced fumble
• 1 sack
• 6 tackles for loss

In three years with the Titans Vaccaro recorded:

• 2 interceptions
• 225 combined tackles
• 14 passes defended
• 4 sacks
• 12 tackles for loss

I appreciate everything these two did for the Titans! They both have got some play left in their tank I believe and I hope they continue to find success in the NFL!

Now comes the more challenging part for the Titans. The team struggled mightily on defense in 2020 and now the team is down two starters.

The Titans already need help up front on the d-line and now there are some holes in the secondary. Young Titans' safety Amani Hooker will do a solid job at filling up Vaccaro's spot I believe. But even with that there is a problem at cornerback and just depth in the secondary overall.

Second year cornerback Kristian Fulton will have to step up and be a starter I would imagine. So I suppose there are some players to help fill in losses, but still it's a little worrisome. The Titans still also have quality starter Adoree Jackson they can hopefully lean on.

I just hope the players the Titans do have in the secondary stay healthy and that GM Jon Robinson can find depth guys. I know the Titans signed Breon Borders who had some good reps with the team last season when the secondary was seriously banged up.

But anyway, there is a bit of a new era in the secondary for the Titans, and I'm intrigued to see what happens.

Farewell to Kenny Vaccaro and Malcolm Butler! I will always remember your time in Tennessee and you guys will always be Titans!

Vaccaro #24, Butler #21

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