AP source: Titans tell safety Pollard he will be released
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (AP) - Veteran safety Bernard Pollard wanted out of Tennessee in his chase for another Super Bowl ring.
The Titans are letting him leave so he can do just that, according to a person familiar with the team's decision.
The Titans have informed Pollard he will be released, according to a person who spoke on condition of anonymity Monday night because the team has not announced the move yet. The nine-year veteran asked for the move after the season ended, and releasing the safety will free up the $3.1 million salary he was due in 2015.
The Tennessean first reported the move.
"Nashville it's been so much fun," Pollard wrote on Twitter. "Thank you to all the fans and people I've been blessed meet. Great city, fans and food! #31 is out ..."
Pollard came to Tennessee in 2013 after winning a Super Bowl with the Baltimore Ravens. He signed a two-year deal with the Titans after making a career-high 142 tackles for Tennessee in 2013 for the second-most tackles by a safety for the franchise since 1990.
But Pollard, who turned 30 in December, suffered a season-ending Achilles injury Oct. 5 that limited him to five games last season.
The safety, who also has played for Houston and Kansas City, already is doing his best to show he's fully recovered. He tweeted out a short video of himself working out in a gym three days ago.
"Just another grind day... 4 1/2 months out of surgery and ready to hit somebody! Where will I be... Need another Ring," Pollard wrote.
With Pollard out most of the season, the Titans ranked 27th in total defense and tied for 29th in allowing 27.3 points per game. Titans coach Ken Whisenhunt already has convinced Dick LeBeau to take over his defense and work with coordinator Ray Horton. Now they will need more help at safety when free agency opens March 10.
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