The Tennessee Titans made sweeping changes to their off-ball linebacker position this offseason. New general manager Mike Borgonzi signed experienced defender Cody Barton to a reasonable three-year contract in free agency. Barton arrives in Nashville to aid the team's quest for a better culture and more veteran leadership in the locker room.
Barton's arrival wasn't the only notable change. Addition by subtraction has swept through Dennard Wilson's linebacker core this offseason. Gone are the Titans' five-most utilized linebackers last season, with Ernest Jones, Kenneth Murray, Jack Gibbens, Jerome Baker, and Luke Gifford all playing elsewhere in 2025.
The Titans' activities at the position have led to questions regarding who will start opposite Barton this coming season. The two most straightforward choices are a pair of inexperienced sophomore defenders. Previous GM Ran Carthon drafted two linebackers last year, adding Cedric Gray in the fourth round before doubling down with James Williams in the seventh.
An offseason injury ruined most of Gray's rookie campaign. Williams spent the majority of his debut season playing special teams and furthering his acclimation to the position after playing safety in college. A position battle will determine which one starts next to Barton against the Denver Broncos in Week 1.
There are a few other lesser-known candidates. Former undrafted free agent Otis Reese IV is still with the team after occasionally flashing when afforded opportunities to play. The Titans also added veterans Anfernee Orji and Curtis Jacobs to their 90-man roster. Former Texas LB David Gbenda is among the team's more promising rookie UDFAs.
Titans head coach Brian Callahan discussed the ongoing position battle at off-ball linebacker during Wednesday's OTA practice. Unsurprisingly, Callahan is nowhere near ready to make any determinations, making a great point about needing to evaluate linebackers in pads before truly evaluating the options. The Titans are not currently permitted to practice in pads.
Titans won't make determinations about the LB position battle at OTAs
"That's a position, similar to the [offensive line] front where pads are important," Callahan told reporters. "You don't necessarily really know [anything] until you can actually start making contact and fitting runs. There are some guys [at linebacker] we're excited about. But there's a lot of time between now and when we play. The pads will be the separator. It's an ongoing process."
Gray and Williams are the in-house favorites on athleticism and draft investment alone. Linebacker is among the most difficult positions to evaluate without watching physical contact and padded practices. Linebacker is among the biggest position battles on the roster, but the Titans wisely won't rush the decision-making process.
