The Tennessee Titans appear pretty settled at linebacker. Cedric Gray is coming off a historic season in which he set the franchise's single-season tackling record (164). Veteran Cody Barton is back opposite him, with rookie Anthony Hill Jr. expected to push for playing time at training camp.
Hill Jr. is the wildcard of the position. Behind those three surefire locks, the Titans will hold competition for the fourth (and possibly fifth) linebacker spot. One key underdog could emerge despite being underrated by the fanbase.
Dorian Mausi returns to the Titans after being claimed off waivers last August. The underrated linebacker impressed onlookers during OTAs and minicamp. Mausi is a 53-man roster underdog as the Titans prepare to begin training camp.
Titans LB Dorian Mausi is a 53-man roster underdog at training camp
The Titans have three linebackers vying for the fourth spot on the roster. The in-house favorite is James Williams, a 2024 seventh round pick entering his third season. Veteran free-agent signing Mohamoud Diabate joins Mausi and Williams to form a crowded back-end competition.
Williams earned the second-most special teams snaps of any Titans player in 2025 (377). Mausi did not trail him by much (355). Williams and Mausi have special teams abilities that could make coordinator John "Bones" Fassel stand on the table to retain them at final cuts.
Diabate earned 205 special teams snaps for the Cleveland Browns last season. In Williams' case, it's possible the Titans are willing to admit defeat on unfulfilled potential. Williams lost a training camp battle to Gray last offseason and has failed to emerge as a defensive starter. He was drafted by previous general manager Ran Carthon, whereas Mausi was acquired by current GM Mike Borgonzi.
Mausi maximized his opportunities throughout 2025, recovering a fumble on special teams. The former Duke and Auburn standout didn't earn a single defensive snap, but enters camp with his arrow trending in the appropriate direction. Don't be stunned if Mausi pulls a 53-man roster upset.
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