The Tennessee Titans are displeased with their depth at linebacker. Veteran addition Cody Barton is the leader at the position. Sophomore James Williams is a potential breakout star. Fellow second-year defender Cedric Gray is a lock to make the team, but the final one or two spots on the 53-man roster are still being decided.
Anfernee Orji appeared primed to claim a rotational role, but unfortunately suffered a season-ending injury at joint practice with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Third-year pro Otis Reese IV appears out of favor with the coaching staff after not earning a single snap in Week 1 of the preseason. Just earlier this week, the Titans made two changes at LB after waiving Orji and David Gbenda.
General manager Mike Borgonzi wasn't done churning the linebacker spot there. The Titans own the No. 1 priority on the waiver wire. Borgonzi put that benefit to use on Wednesday, claiming linebacker Brian Asamoah II off waivers, per ESPN's Jeremy Fowler.
Titans claim NFL Draft bust Brian Asamoah off waivers from Vikings
Asamoah was the Minnesota Vikings’ third-round pick in the 2022 NFL Draft out of Oklahoma. The former Sooners standout never carved out a full-time role defensively despite being a top-100 selection. Asamoah never played more than 119 defensive snaps, and that career-high figure occurred during his rookie season.
Asamoah did carve out a legitimate role on special teams though. In 2024, Asamoah played a hefty 321 snaps, 71.33% of the season-long share available. He was their third-most snapped player on special teams.
The Titans are attempting to improve that unit under new coordinator John "Bones" Fassel. Asamoah hasn't met expectations through three completed seasons, but the Titans are desperate for help at linebacker and on special teams. He possesses a legitimate opportunity to make the 53-man roster.