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NASHVILLE, Tenn. (AP) — The Tennessee Titans have picked a kicker for now, waiving Maikon Bonani and keeping undrafted rookie Travis Coons as they trimmed down their roster by the NFL's deadline.
The Titans also traded defensive end Lavar Edwards, a fifth-round draft pick in 2013 out of LSU, to Dallas for an undisclosed future draft pick in moves announced Saturday. Tennessee placed defensive lineman Antonio Johnson on injured reserve and waived a total of 20 players.
How long the Titans stick with Coons now remains to be seen for a team that cut the NFL's fourth-most accurate kicker in Rob Bironas in March.
Coons, signed in May out of Washington, beat out Bonani, who was in training camp with the Titans last year. Bonani had the stronger leg, but Coons was 2 of 3 on field goals preseason with a long of 50 yards. Coach Ken Whisenhunt said Friday they would be comfortable with either, but the Titans worked out Jay Feely, Rian Lindley and Garrett Hartley on Wednesday.
"I think we are looking at all opportunities which is what you should do," Whisenhunt said Friday about choosing a kicker. "It is the smart thing to do."
The Titans also released veteran linebacker Moise Fokou, who started 12 games at middle linebacker last season. But Tennessee has switched to a 3-4 scheme with new defensive coordinator Ray Horton, and the Titans brought in veterans Wesley Woodyard and Shaun Phillips this offseason.
Others waived include wide receivers Marc Mariani, Brian Robiskie and Rico Richardson; offensive tackles Jeff Adams and Will Poehls; cornerbacks Tommy Campbell, Ri'Shard Anderson and Winston Wright; running back Antonio Andrews; defensive linemen Marcus Dixon and Chigbo Anunoby; linebacker Brandon Copeland; tight ends Chase Coffman and Jason Schepler; offensive linemen Justin McCray and Eric Olsen; quarterback Dominique Davis and fullback Collin Mooney.
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