NASHVILLE — The Tennessee Titans selected Caleb Farley in the first round of the 2021 NFL draft and to this point in his career things have not gone according to plan. The Titans were hoping to get a long, athletically-gifted cornerback and sadly, so far, Farley has been anything but. Now, Farley will start camp on the Physically Unable to Perform(PUP) list.
Farley's injury concerns from college that made him a risky pick in the first place have reared their ugly head in the pros. Farley's first season was cut short by an ACL injury and then his second season, a back injury. Farley has only appeared in 12 games in two years.
This lack of availability and lack of return on a first-round investment has led to copious amounts of resentment towards Farley from the fan base. Most fans fall in two categories — those who want him released from the team and those who have lost faith entirely. That noise has reached a crescendo after the PUP news.
If we are honest, those are two entirely fair positions to take, but the Titans would not be wise to release Farley so early even if there is little hope he will ever be worth his selection. Two things stand out as obvious reasons to keep Farley around.
First, the financials of the situation. The Titans are currently working with minimal cap space and getting creative to maximize their flexibility. Things like the Kevin Byard contract restructure and Hopkins' expected deal are being used as tools to stretch the Titans' dollar.
Releasing Farley now would hurt that effort in a major way. Not only would the Titans not save money, but Farley's release would actually make him cost $2.5 million more than what he would by just being on the roster. The Titans aren't replacing his roster spot with someone worth their salary and Farley's additional cost if they cut him.
Secondly, the Titans hired defensive back coach Chris Harris away from the Washington Commanders this offseason. Harris has a tremendous track record for getting the most out of young defensive backs.
Farley may not have the ability at this point to be a first-round level corner, but if anyone can get some production and contribution out of Farley, it is Harris. If Harris can get a full season of health and consistency out of Farley, it would be a big win.
That would also open up the door for Farley to take a significant leap in year 4, although still unlikely. Regardless, the fact that it would cost the Titans valuable cap space to release and the potential Farley still has make it illogical to cut the corner now.
Hopefully, Farley can get off the PUP list as soon as possible and began working his way towards a successful year, but no matter how long it takes, the Titans would be smart to be patient with their former first rounder.
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