The Tennessee Titans have undergone significant changes at the linebacker position this offseason. Team captain Azeez Al-Shaair, who led the team with 163 tackles and ranked fifth in the league, signed with the AFC South rival Houston Texans in free agency.
In response, General Manager Ran Carthon signed former first-round pick Kenneth Murray as Al-Shaair’s replacement. However, Murray’s acquisition has been met with skepticism. He has consistently underperformed as a top-32 selection, receiving a mediocre overall grade of 52.9 from Pro Football Focus in 2023, with a run-defense grade of 48.2.
There are even bigger question marks regarding who will start alongside Murray in Dennard Wilson’s defense. Three players are in contention for the starting role: Jack Gibbens, a 2023 starter and favorite of both the former and current staff; Cedric Gray, a rookie fourth-round pick; and Otis Reese IV, a sophomore undrafted free agent who showed potential late in the 2023 season. Other linebackers on the roster include Chance Campbell, Luke Gifford, Garret Wallow, and seventh-rounder James Williams.
ESPN’s Mike Clay recently released his positional rankings for all 32 teams, placing the Titans’ off-ball linebackers dead last at No. 32. The uncertainty and lack of proven talent at the position contributed to this ranking.
Despite the concerns at linebacker, Wilson and head coach Brian Callahan are confident in most other areas of the roster. Jeffery Simmons, Arden Key, Harold Landry, and T’Vondre Sweat are expected to form a strong defensive line, while L’Jarius Sneed, Chido Awuzie, and Roger McCreary are projected to be a top-tier cornerback trio. The biggest questions remain at off-ball linebacker, with ESPN not expecting much from the group given its unproven nature.
New inside linebackers coach Frank Bush has a challenging task ahead to develop this unit.
