Schulters expecting release

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Nothing ground breaking, but its still two months from real football talk.




Schulters now entering his final days as a Titan

Expected cut to save salary cap space

By JIM WYATT
Staff Writer


Safety Lance Schulters doesn't have to flip his calendar to June 1 today to realize his days with the Titans are almost certainly numbered.

His agent said yesterday "it is a probability'' that Schulters will be released by the Titans soon, though he doesn't think it will be today, when other veterans across the NFL are cut loose by their respective teams for salary cap reasons.




Agent Brian Levy said he believes there are some Titans officials and coaches who would like to keep Schulters, but considering the team cut six other starters in February for salary cap reasons, "you don't get rid of all those other guys and … not get rid of Lance, too.''

June 1 is a key date on the NFL calendar because of the league's collective bargaining agreement. By releasing players June 1 or later, teams can get more salary cap relief for the upcoming season because they are allowed to spread charges against the cap over two seasons.

The Titans are approximately $2.5 million under the salary cap now, but they'll need additional money to sign their 11 draft picks and to be in a position to sign any free agents.

Schulters, who received a $250,000 roster bonus in March, is scheduled to earn a base salary of $2.75 million in 2005 and $3.65 million in 2006. He's also scheduled to collect a $500,000 roster bonus in 2006.

He's scheduled to count $4.2 million against the salary cap this year.

Levy spoke to Titans General Manager Floyd Reese about the situation May 16, when the decision was made to keep Schulters out of minicamps for liability reasons.

Reese and Levy haven't talked since then, and Reese is currently on vacation.

Levy said he expects a resolution by early next week, but trading Schulters isn't among the options.

"I think they want to see what becomes available (after June 1) and see if they want to take something there," Levy said. "Lance is somebody who might finance that package for them by cutting him.''

Schulters signed with the Titans as a free agent in 2002 and was a regular starter before suffering a foot injury last season that kept him out of 13 games.

Lamont Thompson started in place of Schulters last season and is expected to be the team's starter at free safety this fall.

The Falcons, Lions, Rams and Cowboys are among the teams who may be interested in Schulters if he hits the open market.

McAddley to 49ers: Former Titans receiver Jason McAddley signed a free agent contract with the 49ers yesterday.

McAddley, who played in 11 games for the Titans last season, was a restricted free agent. •
 
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