What happened: Robert Saleh said he will stand on the table for Jordan Elliott's character following the release. Elliott was cut after going to his car to retrieve a gun, with rules barring guns on property cited as the cause.

Why it matters: Tennessee loses a veteran interior lineman during the 2026 regular season, testing defensive tackle depth. Elliott is now a free agent, so his next opportunity turns on how teams weigh the property-rules violation against need.

What to watch: Tennessee's defensive tackle rotation and any further league or team action beyond the release are next. Elliott's free-agent status determines whether another team signs him during the 2026 season.