Why was Taylor Lewan released? Assessing the situation of former Titans first-round pick

Three-time Pro Bowler and offensive lynchpin Taylor Lewan was released by the Tennessee Titans after he failed a physical designation, thus putting an end to a successful longtime partnership.

Releasing the versatile left tackle was one of four cuts the Titans made in February to save nearly $38 million against the salary cap. The Titans were $23.3 million over the cap at the start of the offseason.

Lewan was a magnificent servant to the Tennessee Titans, making three Pro Bowl appearances from 2016-18. He also became a vital component of the Titans' formidable lines soon after Tennessee selected him in the first round of the 2014 NFL draft.

Lewan created room for league bruiser-in-chief running back Derrick Henry and set the tone for an offense annually ranked as one of the league's most run-heavy attacks.

He will now be looking for a new team for the first time in his almost decade-long NFL career and should be confident in his options. He has missed 30 total games in the past three NFL seasons, including 15 in the 2022 season due to a nasty knee injury.

Three possible landing spots for Taylor Lewan

Here are three franchises that could use a talent like Taylor Lewan on their roster heading into the 2023 NFL season. Kindly note that this list is in no particular order.

1. Pittsburgh Steelers

For this to happen, Taylor Lewan will obviously have to bury the hatchet with T.J. Watt, who he spat in his face during a 2017 Titans-Steelers game. If he can do that sincerely, he could join the Pittsburgh Steelers' stellar O-line.

The Steelers allowed 38 sacks last season and struggled significantly at the left tackle position. Dan Moore Jr. allowed seven sacks and posted a PFF grade of 62.4%, which isn't good enough for a team with postseason aspirations. Lewan would be an immediate upgrade in his position.

2. Cincinnati Bengals

The Cincinnati Bengals allowed a gross number of sacks last season, 44 of them, which can't be healthy for their franchise QB, Joe Burrow. Tackle La’el Collins allowed five with a PFF grade of 57.9%, and Jonah Williams allowed 12 with a PFF grade of 61.2%. Lewan has made it clear he wants to play left tackle and doesn’t want to switch sides so he could take Williams’ spot.

The addition of Taylor Lewan could revitalize the Bengals' O-line, and he could be a nightmarish matchup against the likes of T.J. Watt, Myles Garrett and Jadeveon Clowney.

3. Chicago Bears

Another team that fails time and time again to protect their generational talent at QB, the Chicago Bears, is in the market for a Pro Bowl-caliber offensive lineman. The Bears allowed the fourth-most sacks of any team in the NFL last season with 58 and are in dire need of keeping Justin Fields upright. Their incumbent left tackle, Braxton Jones, is not that guy, and Lewan will represent a significant improvement.

The Bears could sign Taylor Lewan to a one-year, $6-7.5 million dollar deal, representing fantastic value for money. If the experiment doesn't work, they could lay him off at the end of the 2023 NFL season. It's that simple.