NASHVILLE, Tenn. (AP) -- The Tennessee Titans released six players, including four starters led by receiver Derrick Mason, on Monday in an attempt to cut up to $27 million as the team tries to get under the NFL's salary cap.

General manager Floyd Reese said they released cornerback Samari Rolle, defensive lineman Kevin Carter, right tackle Fred Miller _ all starters with Mason. They also cut fullback Robert Holcombe and kicker Joe Nedney.
The Titans are the NFL's third winningest team since 1997, and Reese said they are paying the price now for trying to maintain that success. He pointed out that they reached the 2000 Super Bowl, played in two AFC Championships and lost twice to the eventual Super Bowl champions in other years (Baltimore in 2001, New England in 2004).

"We're done manipulating. Now we're going to fix this," Reese said.
The general manager said team officials had been struggling to find a way out of their salary cap problem, even holding off some cuts until after June 1 to spread the money out further.

"We can't get it there. The second thing you do is make significant cap adjustments now, which in essence is what we're going to do," Reese said.
These cuts will clear 80 percent of the $27 million that the team is over the cap. The Titans are reworking a few other contracts, and Reese said Monday's moves will allow the Titans to tender offers to their 10 restricted free agents and all their exclusive rights free agents.

The Titans also will be able to exercise options to retain receiver Drew Bennett, cornerback Tony Beckham and linebacker Rocky Boiman.
Tennessee has the No. 6 pick overall in the draft, their highest since picking Steve McNair third overall in 1995. Reese said they will attempt to model Baltimore's cap-cutting moves by cutting as deep as possible in one year and build for the future through the draft.

TRANSLATION: We are giving up hope for 2005-06, and re-building for the future, since we will be picking this high next season as well.

The 'Skins are reported to have interest in Mason since Porter was re-signed long term to Oakland according to the Washington Times.