Fowler starter in 2008, gone in 2009 from Titans

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (AP) -The Tennessee Titans have released linebacker Ryan Fowler on Saturday along with 21 other players in trimming down their roster, cutting loose a player who lost his starting job to Stephen Tulloch during the 2008 season.

Fowler was signed before 2007 to a four-year deal worth $11.5 million as the Titans' starting middle linebacker. But the Titans had drafted Tulloch in 2006, and he took Fowler's starting job last year. Fowler had been due $2.25 million this season and would have counted $3 million against the cap.

The Titans started cutting players Friday when they informed at least 18 of their release, a group that included Mark Jones who had been signed to a two-year deal this offseason to handle punt and kickoff returns. Veteran cornerback DeMarcus Faggins also was cut.