NASHVILLE, Tenn. (AP) -The Tennessee Titans released starting free safety Lamont Thompson and quarterback Tim Rattay among 20 players waived Saturday, choosing for now to go with Vince Young and his backup Kerry Collins.
Thompson had been a starting safety for the Titans the past three seasons, starting 45 of 77 games in his five NFL seasons. He had 77 tackles and three interceptions last season but struggled at times. Not even two interceptions this preseason could help him salvage his job.
Calvin Lowry, a fourth-round draft pick in 2006 out of Penn State, split time with Thompson this preseason, will start in his spot.
Coach Jeff Fisher said in a statement that an improved roster made these decisions a challenge.
“And the last three or four spots were really difficult considering we let a number of veterans go. These decisions were a result of the depth of our roster and the production and potential of some of the younger players on the team,” Fisher said.
The Titans will go with two quarterbacks for now with Young going into his second season healthy and Collins looking much more comfortable in the offense with a year on this roster.
They had only two quarterbacks on the roster for most of 2006, although they brought in Matt Mauck as a practice squad player as insurance.
“The numbers at some of the positional groups didn’t allow us the luxury of keeping three quarterbacks, but that shouldn’t be a reflection of Tim and his ability to contribute to a team,” Fisher said.
The Titans also released seven of their own draft picks including receiver Courtney Roby, a third-round draft pick in 2005 who had struggled to catch the ball. He had 21 receptions as a rookie but struggled to stay healthy in 2006 when he caught two catches.
With his release, the Titans still kept seven receivers.
That group includes 11-year veteran Eric Moulds, signed just before training camp, and free agent signee Justin Gage.
Undrafted free agent Biren Ealy is also in the group. He helped edge out Joel Filani, a sixth-round draft pick this year. Draft picks Paul Williams and Chris Davis, who scored on a 70-yard punt return in the preseason finale, made the roster as well.
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