NASHVILLE, Tenn. – Titans general manager Jon Robinson led off the team's training camp press conference on Wednesday by sharing his thoughts on two hot topics around the team:
The status of left tackle Taylor Lewan, and the departure of linebacker Kevin Dodd.
"Taylor Lewan was here today, and it's good to have him back," Robinson said of Lewan. "I know that our coaches are excited to work with him, and (we) had really good discussions over the last 24 hours with his representation and nothing is finalized, but I would certainly said we are heading in the right direction (on a new contract).
"… I say we've made really good progress, and that's about all I can really comment on that for now."
Lewan reported to camp on Wednesday morning with the rest of his teammates, as the team and his agent continued discussions about a long-term deal. The two sides began contract talks earlier this offseason, and in June, Robinson said "we are working to keep Taylor as part of this organization for a long time."
Robinson said the team has had discussions with Lewan's camp in the last "day or two" and things "ramped up a little bit" on Tuesday night.
On Tuesday, the Titans informed Dodd he would be released. Robinson sat down and spoke with Dodd on Tuesday, and said he wishes him "nothing but the best moving forward in his career."
A second-round draft pick by the Titans in the 2016 NFL Draft, Dodd played in 18 games for the Titans over the past two seasons. He recorded 20 tackles and one sack in those contests, and started one game.
"I'll say this about Kevin: Kevin is a good young man and he's a talented young man, and I take full responsibility for that one," Robinson said. "I have to do a better job scouting moving forward.
"…I have a really good relationship with Kevin. I respect him. I know it didn't really go as planned here, but I respect the young man that he is and I hope to remain friends with him moving forward, and I think we will."
Robinson said the roster is now at 89 players, and "all 89 players are accounted for on our football team." He said the Titans will add a 90th player in the next day or so.
