The Tennessee Titans are learning about their inside linebackers at OTAs. First-year general manager Mike Borgonzi signed veteran defender Cody Barton to a multi-year contract in free agency to serve as a solution at the position. The spot opposite Barton is up for grabs, with a multi-man competition ensuing from now through training camp and the preseason.
Veteran linebacker Otis Reese IV is hoping to be included in that position battle. Reese first joined the Titans as an undrafted free agent following the 2023 draft. He's in his third OTA period with the Titans, having played well in spurts as a rookie and sophomore.
The Titans don't have a ton invested in Reese, who was signed by previous GM Ran Carthon and former head coach Mike Vrabel. Last year, current head coach Brian Callahan was a part of the regime that drafted two linebackers, Cedric Gray and James Williams.
With the Titans about halfway through their scheduled OTA practices, linebackers coach Frank Bush recently confirmed that Gray and Williams are running with the first-team defense. That spells bad news for Reese, who could find himself on the roster bubble.
Otis Reese IV logging behind James Williams and Cedric Gray at LB
"They know our system," Coach Bush said during Tuesday's practice. "We expect them to be ahead. They've both done a tremendous job. They've learned our defense. They're both running with the ones [first-team defense]. They're holding their own right now."
Reese logged just 89 defensive snaps throughout 2024. The former Ole Miss standout was out-snapped by Williams (111), but played more than Gray (48) did. With a full offseason of work ahead, the Titans appear to be placing their confidence in developing Williams and Gray. Reese sounds like an afterthought.
It's unclear why Barton wasn't running with the first-team defense, but proven veterans of his reputation often receive lighter workloads at OTAs. For example, veteran guard (and fellow free-agent signing) Kevin Zeitler is also present, but not participating. The story isn't about Williams and Gray running with the starters in Barton's absence, it's that Reese is being passed over.
The competition at linebacker won't be settled until August or September, but current indications are Reese is playing catch up.