The Tennessee Titans cut defensive lineman Jordan Elliott after he brought a gun to the team’s training facility, officials said Wednesday.
Titans coach Robert Saleh defended Elliott and called his now-former player “a good man” who deserves another chance — but just not in Tennessee.
“He’s a good man (who) had a terrible lapse in judgment that I recognize as a call for help more than a than a criminal act,” Saleh told reporters. “It’s unfortunate the way it went down.”
Elliott had played in Tennessee’s first five games this season before being listed as inactive on Sunday for “not injury related, personal” reasons.
Then by Tuesday, he was off the team.
“On Thursday, October 15, there was an incident at our team facility involving Jordan Elliott,” according to a Titans statement.
“Following our review of the incident, we have made the decision to release Elliott from our roster. We will have no further comment on the matter.”
Elliott signed with Tennessee this past off season, following two years with the San Francisco 49ers and then four previous campaigns with the Cleveland Browns.
Elliott’s move to Nashville made for a reunion between he and Titans first-year coach Saleh, who was the defensive coordinator in Santa Clara last season.
The coach said he hopes Elliott can sign with another team and that he’d vouch for the player’s character.
“Unfortunately rules are rules with regards to guns on (team) property,” Saleh said.
“My message to 31 other teams would be: If you need a hell of a run-stopping D tackle that can help you on a playoff run, give me a call. I’ll tell you everything you need to know about him. He’s a good man (who) made a terrible had a terrible lapse in judgement.”
The 28-year-old Houston native played college football for the Texas Longhorns and Missouri Tigers before he was taken by Cleveland in the third round of the 2020 NFL Draft.
Union officials and Elliott’s agent could not be immediately reached for comment on Wednesday.
“At the end of the day, we’re all humans,” QB Cam Ward said. “We’re all with him. I mean he’s a great person.”
This is a developing story. Please check back for updates.