We knew the Tennessee Titans' initial 53-man roster wasn't the final squad they'd actually carry into Week 1. General manager Mike Borgonzi owned the No. 4 priority in the waiver wire claims process. Unsurprisingly, the Titans took advantage of that benefit.
The Titans claimed three players off waivers, according to Tom Pelissero. Linebacker Owen Pappoe (Cardinals), nose tackle Nazir Stackhouse (Packers), and defensive back Melvin Smith (Chiefs) are the newest Titans. Tennessee were awarded all three players off waivers.
The Titans have to release four 53-man roster players in order to create room for the new additions. One has already been confirmed. Linebacker Mo Diabate is being waived, per Pelissero. Three additional corresponding moves will be announced, with the signing of veteran safety Terrell Burgess making it four additions in total.
Tennessee Titans add three players to 53-man roster via waivers, but don't address biggest need
It's surprising to see the Titans claim three players on defense. This fanbase assumed Borgonzi's biggest priority would be to replace Austin Deculus or Brandon Crenshaw-Dickson as the swing tackle. It's interesting that five total tackles were claimed off waivers. All of the claiming teams had a lower priority than the Titans. Borgonzi did not want any of those tackles.
Nazir Stackhouse, NT
Stackhouse is a sophomore undrafted free agent. On the surface, the 327-pound nose tackle doesn't necessarily fit Robert Saleh's defense, so this claim was surprising. The former Georgia standout appeared in 13 games as a rookie last season, recording 12 tackles. Stackhouse just played 98 snaps for the Packers in the preseason.
Melvin Smith, CB
Smith joins the secondary from the Kansas City Chiefs, but there isn't an identifable connection between him and Borgonzi. Smith joined the Chiefs as a UDFA last offseason, when Borgonzi was already with the Titans. The former Southern Arkansas product was initially a tryout prospect, so he worked his way into the NFL. The Titans have consistently churned cornerback this offseason in search of better backend depth.
Owen Pappoe, LB
The Pappoe addition feels strictly like a special teams move. The Titans have terrific depth at linebacker, with Cedric Gray, Cody Barton, James Williams and Anthony Hill Jr. all primed to play roles this season. As mentioned, Pappoe is replacing Diabate on the roster as a straight-swap at linebacker. He led the Cardinals in special teams snaps two seasons in a row, and has been a prominent third-phase participant for three consecutive seasons. This is a move to fill out coordinator John "Bones" Fassel's unit.
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