John Glennon

jglennon@tennessean.com

The Titans saved a big chunk of change when they released veteran safety Michael Griffin on Tuesday, clearing an additional $6.5 million under the salary cap.

Considering the team already had one of the NFL’s largest amounts of cap space available, the Titans may decide they don’t need to make any more money-related roster moves before the start of free agency in March.

If, however, the Titans still feel a need to trim salary prior to free agency, here are a handful of contracts that could draw their attention.

Base salaries used here are from the NFL Players’ Association, while cap savings are courtesy of overthecap.com.

ROPATI PITOITUA

Position: Defensive end

2015 base salary: $2.1 million

2016 base salary: $3 million

Potential cap savings if cut before June 1: $3.08 million

Analysis: It’s hard to imagine a scenario in which Pitoitua returns next season, especially with his current contract. He was a valuable member of the team in 2013 and 2014, but hardly got on the field in 2015, playing just 30 snaps and recording four tackles. Pitoitau was active for just five games and was inactive for seven of the last nine.

DEXTER McCLUSTER

Position: Running back

2015 base salary: $2.375 million

2016 base salary: $2.275 million

Potential cap savings if cut before June 1: $2.65 million

Analysis: Titans coach Mike Mularkey clearly thinks highly of McCluster, as one of his first moves as interim head coach last year was to make the veteran running back a team captain. McCluster’s numbers in the running game and receiving game also improved last year from his first Titans season. But does the 5-8, 170-pound specialist, who’s coming off wrist surgery, have a guaranteed job for next year, or could he be replaced by a new face?

Titans' Michael Griffin: Had 'feeling' release was coming

HARRY DOUGLAS

Position: Wide receiver

2015 base salary: $1.55 million

2016 base salary: $3.25 million

Potential cap savings if cut before June 1: $3.02 million

Analysis: Douglas was a good mentor for young receivers last season, but he didn’t make a very big impact on the field, catching 36 passes for 411 yards and two touchdowns. Only three times did he top the 30-yard mark in games. Still, the Titans are thin at the wide receiver position, and the fact that Terry Robiskie – Douglas’ position coach in Atlanta – is now Tennessee’s offensive coordinator should also benefit Douglas.

JASON McCOURTY

Position: Cornerback

2015 base salary: $6.8 million

2016 base salary: $7 million

Potential cap savings if cut before June 1: $7 million

Analysis: McCourty’s name is brought up because of the big potential cap savings the Titans would get by cutting him – and because he had two groin surgeries last year. But if the Titans believe McCourty will come back at 100 percent, then it’s hard to see the team releasing him. He’s their most reliable player at a position in which the Titans have little depth. His presence on the field in a handful of games last year made a notable difference for the defense.

ANTHONY FASANO

Position: Tight end

2015 base salary: $1 million

2016 base salary: $1.98 million

Potential cap savings if cut before June 1: $2.63 million

Analysis: Fasano’s first season with the Titans was a solid one, as he caught 26 passes for 289 yards and two touchdowns in a tight-end friendly offense, and provided good blocking as well. Mularkey’s return as head coach, combined with the fact that tight end Craig Stevens could become a free agent, would seem to be good omens for Fasano. But if Stevens returns and the Titans get really serious about cap space, trimming Fasano’s salary could be an option.

-- Reach John Glennon at 615-259-8262 and on Twitter @glennonsports.

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