Tennessee Titans release Jordan Elliott as coach Robert Saleh addresses gun incident

Head coach Robert Saleh defended the former Titans defensive tackle, saying he made a serious lapse in judgment but deserves another chance.

The Tennessee Titans released defensive tackle Jordan Elliott after he went to his car for a gun following an argument with a teammate, according to reports. Coach Robert Saleh called it a “terrible lapse in judgment” and raised concerns about player well-being.

The team announced Elliott’s release Tuesday, Oct. 20, following its review of an Oct. 15 incident. TMZ reported that Elliott argued with offensive tackle JC Latham, was ordered off the practice field and went to his vehicle for a gun. John Franklin-Myers reportedly intervened before the situation escalated. TMZ reported that no criminal charges had been filed.

Speaking Wednesday, Saleh confirmed Jordan Elliott pulled a gun in the team’s parking lot. He described the conduct as “a terrible lapse in judgment that I recognize as a call for help more than a criminal act.” Saleh also referred to recent NFL player suicides but stressed he was not suggesting Elliott faced the same circumstances.

Saleh called Elliott a dedicated father, husband and teammate. He said he would vouch for Elliott’s character and praised the team and league for pausing to consider why the incident happened and whether Elliott needed assistance.

An NFL spokesperson said Tennessee promptly notified the league, which is reviewing the matter. NFL rules prohibit firearms at team facilities, including vehicles parked on the property. Saleh said Elliott could not remain with the Titans under those rules.

Latham said he and Elliott had no previous bad blood and had never argued before the incident. Saleh praised Franklin-Myers for helping de-escalate the confrontation. NFL Network’s Mike Garafolo reported, citing a source, that the gun never left Elliott’s parking space.

Elliott, 28, was drafted by Cleveland in 2020 and played four seasons there before spending two with San Francisco. He signed a two-year contract with Tennessee this offseason and recorded 11 tackles in five games.

Saleh said he would recommend Elliott to another NFL team seeking a run-stopping defensive tackle. Elliott remains off Tennessee’s roster as the NFL continues its review.