Titans Coach Vows to Back Cut Player Jordan Elliott, Citing 'Call for Help'

Tennessee Titans head coach Robert Saleh has stated he will vouch for defensive tackle Jordan Elliott to any NFL teams considering signing him, following the player's release for bringing a firearm to the team facility.

Saleh defended Elliott's character during a press conference, a day after the Titans terminated his contract. The incident occurred on October 15 when Elliott became involved in a heated argument with a teammate, reportedly JC Latham, on the practice field. The confrontation escalated to the locker room, leading Elliott to retrieve a firearm from his vehicle in the adjacent parking garage.

The Titans coach characterized the event as a potential "small sign of a cry for help," referencing recent instances of NFL players experiencing mental health crises. Saleh expressed a desire for Elliott to "get all the help he needs" while also vouching for his character, asserting that the behavior was out of character.

"I will stand on the table for Jordan's character," Saleh said. "Unfortunately, rules are rules regarding guns on property and sometimes it's far greater than the knee-jerk reaction of kicking somebody when they're down."

Saleh extended an offer to other NFL organizations, stating, "My message to 31 other teams would be if you need a helluva runstopping 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 added, "He's a good man. Had a terrible lapse in judgment that I recognize as a call for help more than a criminal act.... [Elliott] deserves another chance. Rules are rules, it can't be here."

News of Elliott's departure from the team was initially announced by the Titans as stemming from an "incident." Further details emerged from reports indicating the argument and subsequent retrieval of the firearm were captured on security cameras. The situation was reportedly de-escalated before any altercation involving the firearm occurred, with veteran defensive lineman John Franklin-Myers credited with intervening.

Elliott had appeared in the Titans' first five games of the season, with one start and 11 tackles recorded. He was inactive for the team's most recent game following the incident. He signed a two-year, $8 million deal with Tennessee in March after spending four seasons with the Cleveland Browns and two seasons with the San Francisco 49ers.

The Titans have had a challenging start to the season, losing their first five games before securing a victory against the Indianapolis Colts. The team is scheduled to host the Cleveland Browns this week.