The Tennessee Titans are excited about their linebacker core heading into Sunday's Week 1 matchup with the Denver Broncos. Veteran addition Cody Barton is the unquestioned leader (and captain) of the group. Elsewhere, sophomore options James Williams and Cedric Gray have both taken developmental steps forward this offseason.
Williams began training camp as the in-house favorite to start opposite Barton. Gray made a valiant effort towards the conclusion of the preseason to battle for playing time. The Titans haven't named an official starter.
None of that prevented general manager Mike Borgonzi from adding another veteran to the fray, however. The Titans are signing linebacker Kyzir White, according to various national reports. White immediately strengthens the Titans' linebacker unit.
Titans add LB Kyzir White as defensive reinforcement ahead of Week 1 matchup vs. Broncos
Sources: The #Titans are signing former #Cardinals LB Kyzir White.
— Jordan Schultz (@Schultz_Report) September 2, 2025
White had 137 tackles, 2.5 sacks and 9 TFLs with Arizona last season. pic.twitter.com/D7nVb29vlE
The Titans clearly lacked depth at linebacker behind Barton, Williams, and Gray. Recent waiver claim Dorian Mausi, an undrafted rookie free agent, was LB4 on the roster. White represents a significant upgrade, giving Dennard Wilson another veteran option at the position.
White is probably a bigger move at linebacker than anyone expected the Titans to make. The veteran off-ball defender ranked 15th in the NFL in tackles last season, registering 137 takedowns. White, who has 7.5 career sacks, is also an excellent blitzer and gives Coach Wilson the potential to field creative defensive packages.
White has traditionally struggled in coverage. His grade as a pass defender was a lackluster 32.0 last season, according to Pro Football Focus. Expect White to be fielded in downhill situations, as opposed to on obvious passing downs.
The Titans have consistently assessed opportunities to upgrade their roster this offseason. Though they felt largely settled at linebacker, there's no denying White is a better player than the inexperienced Mausi, who he'll replace. White makes the Titans defense better.