Titans Keep the Veteran Vibes Rolling: Three Key Signings That Could Shake Things Up in Nashville
The Tennessee Titans aren’t just sitting back this offseason—they're actively stacking up their roster with some intriguing veteran talent. As the second wave of NFL free agency rolls on, Tennessee is clearly in full-on “build-and-compete” mode, filling in gaps and turning up the competition level across the board.
Let’s break it down: On Tuesday, the Titans hit the waiver wire and the free agent market, locking in three new additions who are all about grit, depth, and versatility. Say hello to veteran cornerback Amani Oruwariye, defensive tackle Carlos Watkins, and linebacker Amari Burney, the newest players hoping to carve out roles in Nashville this season.
📌 Here’s What Went Down:
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Amani Oruwariye (CB) – Signed a one-year deal
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Carlos Watkins (DT) – Also inked a one-year contract
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Amari Burney (LB) – Claimed off waivers from the Las Vegas Raiders
And to make space for the new faces, Tennessee released defensive tackle Abdullah Anderson and undrafted rookie cornerback Garnett Hollis Jr.
Let’s dive deeper into who these guys are and why Titans fans should keep an eye on them.
🛡️ Amani Oruwariye: A Seasoned Corner with Playmaking Upside
If you're looking for experience in the secondary, Oruwariye brings it in spades. The 6-foot-2, 200-pound cornerback was drafted back in 2019 by the Detroit Lions in the fifth round out of Penn State. He made a name for himself during his early years in Detroit with his ball-hawking skills and physical presence.
Here’s a quick look at his resume:
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61 games played
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40 career starts
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195 total tackles (159 solo)
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27 passes defensed
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10 interceptions
After four solid seasons in Detroit, Oruwariye bounced around a bit—spending time with the New York Giants and Jacksonville Jaguars—before suiting up for the Dallas Cowboys in 2024. In Dallas, he played in seven games (starting four), posting 29 tackles and three passes defensed. Not earth-shattering numbers, but solid enough to keep him in the league.
What’s interesting here is the reunion with special teams coordinator John Fassel, whom Oruwariye worked with in Dallas. That prior relationship could give him a slight edge in camp as he competes for a backup spot in Tennessee’s secondary. And with the Titans' cornerback depth still in flux, don’t be surprised if he gets some serious preseason reps.
💪 Carlos Watkins: A Veteran Big Man in the Trenches
Watkins isn’t flashy—but he’s dependable, tough, and experienced. Standing at 6-foot-3 and tipping the scales at 306 pounds, Watkins brings that classic interior power that defensive lines love. He was originally a fourth-round pick out of Clemson by the Houston Texans in 2017.
Here’s what he brings to the table:
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86 career games
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151 total tackles (76 solo)
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6 career sacks
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1 forced fumble
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1 interception
After four seasons with the Texans, Watkins moved over to the Dallas Cowboys in 2021 and stuck around for two years. He’s bounced around a bit since then, but circled back to Dallas for the 2024 campaign. He’s seen it all, and that kind of veteran savvy is exactly what a rebuilding team like the Titans needs in the trenches.
Plus, Watkins adds value beyond the box score. He’s known for holding his ground against the run and creating opportunities for teammates by occupying multiple blockers. In a defense that’s looking to get back to its gritty identity, Watkins could be a quiet steal.
🏈 Amari Burney: Young Blood with Upside
While Watkins and Oruwariye bring years of NFL experience, Amari Burney is still early in his pro journey. Drafted by the Raiders in the sixth round of the 2023 NFL Draft out of Florida, Burney played in 24 games during his time in Las Vegas.
Stats so far?
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32 total tackles (20 solo)
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1 sack
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1 forced fumble
He’s still raw, but the upside is intriguing. At 6-foot-2 and 228 pounds, Burney offers sideline-to-sideline range and solid instincts. He’s a high-motor linebacker who can fly to the ball, and that’s the type of energy that can be molded into a special teams ace or a rotational ‘backer with some situational juice.
He may not be a household name yet, but don't count him out—Burney could sneak onto the final roster if he shows up big in training camp and preseason.
🤔 What’s the Strategy Here?
The Titans are clearly trying to fill out some of the thinner parts of their depth chart, especially on defense. All three signings address positions that were starting to look a little light:
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Cornerback depth was shaky heading into May
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Defensive tackle rotation needed a veteran anchor
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Linebacker group lacked young, developmental talent
These aren’t splashy signings. But that’s not the point. It’s about building a roster with options, boosting internal competition, and giving new defensive coordinator Dennard Wilson more pieces to play with.
💬 Final Thoughts: Smart Moves That Could Pay Off
Let’s be real—none of these signings are going to lead SportsCenter. But that doesn’t mean they aren’t important. Championships are built not just on star power but on depth, durability, and flexibility.
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Oruwariye gives you veteran leadership in the DB room
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Watkins strengthens the D-line with size and experience
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Burney injects youth and special teams potential into the linebacker corps
As training camp creeps closer, these are the types of signings that can quietly determine how deep a team can go when injuries hit or depth gets tested. For a Titans squad looking to bounce back and reestablish itself in the AFC South, every roster spot counts.
So, keep an eye on these names, because come August, one or two of them could be battling for starting snaps—or even sealing a Week 1 roster spot.
📣 Titans fans: Which of these signings are you most excited about? Think any of them have starter potential? Let’s talk about it!
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