Fansided

Titans officially cut ties with kicker Rob Bironas

By Michael Collins

Dec 22, 2013; Jacksonville, FL, USA; Tennessee Titans kicker Rob Bironas (2) against the Jacksonville Jaguars works out prior to the game at EverBank Field. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 22, 2013; Jacksonville, FL, USA; Tennessee Titans kicker Rob Bironas (2) against the Jacksonville Jaguars works out prior to the game at EverBank Field. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports /
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Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports
Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports /

Some roster moves are about what happened on the field, and others are just business moves. The Tennessee Titans cutting long-time kicker Rob Bironas falls into the latter category.

The Titans officially released Bironas today after nine seasons of kicking for the team.

Official statement from Titans GM Ruston Webster:

"“We want to thank Rob for his nine years of service to the Titans. He has been an outstanding kicker and we appreciate him both for his contributions on the field and in our community.”"

The move is going to save the Titans a $250,000 roster bonus and a $2.875 million salary number, so we aren’t talking chicken feed here. Still, fans hate to see a fixture like Bironas go, even if he is “just a kicker”.

Bironas hadn’t really suffered in terms of accuracy on field goals or extra-points, but his touchback percentage has been dipping for the last three seasons. With the new NFL rules aimed at pretty much eliminating kickoff returns, it’s all about the touchback for kickers.

I tried to get in touch with ESPN growler Chris Berman to see how he was taking the news, as calling Bironas’ name to the tune of “My Sharona” was one of his more recognizable Bermanisms, but he couldn’t reached for comment.

[Source: ESPN]

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