The Tennessee Titans entered training camp and the preseason with clearly defined roles at safety. Amani Hooker and Kevin Winston Jr. are the unquestioned starters. Veteran free-agent signing Tony Adams, who reunites with head coach Robert Saleh, is the third safety.
The fourth and presumably final safety spot on the 53-man roster is up for grabs. One underdog who deserves more attention than he's getting is Erick Hallett II. Hallett performed rather admirably in the Titans' preseason Week 1 victory over the San Francisco 49ers.
Hallett earned 29 snaps versus the 49ers. Interestingly enough, his usage may indicate how Coach Saleh and the defensive backs coaches view him moving forward. Hallett is actively forcing the coaching staff to reconsider the assumption that everything is settled at safety.
Tennessee Titans underdog safety Erick Hallett II is making a strong bid to make the 53-man roster
Marcus Harris is the Titans' starting nickel cornerback. After he exited the preseason game, Hallett played 20 snaps in the slot, as pointed out by local radio host Zach Lyons on social media. With no clear-cut backup for Harris on the roster, perhaps Hallett has a chance to be the defense's second-string nickelback.
Hallett also earned an additional five snaps as a third linebacker. That indicates Saleh views the former Pittsburgh Panther as a flexible defender. Such versatility would only increase Hallett's 53-man roster chances.
Hallett initially entered the league as a sixth-round pick of division rival Jacksonville Jaguars during the 2023 NFL Draft. He briefly joined the Detroit Lions before being signed off their practice squad by the Titans last December. He's been with the Titans ever since.
The Titans have a few reserve safeties competing for roster spots in addition to Hallett, including rookie UDFA Bishop Fitzgerald, Kendell Brooks, and Jerrick Reed II. Through one preseason game, Hallett looks like the most impressive contender. That's notable with roster cutdown day approaching on August 30th.
Hallett is proving he's capable of providing more than traditional safety depth, with versatility at nickelback and linebacker. He also looked comfortable on special teams, making a tackle on seven third-phase snaps. Hallett is emerging as an underdog worth monitoring.
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