The Tennessee Titans have made a notable addition to their defense, claiming linebacker Amari Burney off waivers from the Las Vegas Raiders. The move comes as the Titans continue to fine-tune their roster ahead of the upcoming season, adding a young and athletic presence to their linebacker corps in Burney, a player who brings energy, versatility, and upside to the defensive unit.
Burney, a former University of Florida standout, entered the NFL as a sixth-round pick by the Raiders in the 2023 NFL Draft. Though his time with Las Vegas was short-lived, his potential was evident in preseason performances and practice reps, showcasing a player still developing but rich in athleticism and instinct. His release from the Raiders came as a bit of a surprise given his raw tools, but it opened the door for the Titans to act quickly.
At 6-foot-2 and 228 pounds, Burney fits the mold of today’s hybrid linebacker—quick enough to cover running backs and tight ends, yet physical enough to come downhill against the run. During his time at Florida, he played in 58 games and recorded 223 total tackles, 15 tackles for loss, 7.5 sacks, and four interceptions. He was also a team captain his final year, bringing leadership qualities to the locker room that NFL coaches value deeply.
The Titans are hoping to tap into that potential and continue his development under their system. With a defensive-minded head coach in Brian Callahan and a renewed emphasis on physicality and speed on defense, Burney could have an opportunity to carve out a role as a rotational linebacker or special teams contributor early on.
Tennessee’s linebacker unit has undergone several changes in recent seasons, with veterans cycling in and out of the rotation and younger players like Jack Gibbens and Monty Rice being asked to take on larger roles. The addition of Burney offers more depth and competition, something the Titans have emphasized throughout their offseason strategy. Training camp will provide Burney with a critical opportunity to prove himself and make a lasting impression on the coaching staff.
Special teams may be Burney’s quickest path to the active roster. With his size-speed combination, he has the tools to be an impact player in coverage units and kick return situations. The Titans have leaned heavily on young linebackers to contribute in this phase of the game, and Burney’s college tape suggests he has the mentality to embrace such a role.
Burney’s journey to the NFL wasn’t a conventional one. A safety early in his college career, he eventually transitioned to linebacker full-time. That experience in the secondary gives him an edge in coverage situations, something the Titans have struggled with at times in recent years. His ability to read quarterbacks, drop into zones, and occasionally blitz off the edge gives Tennessee a versatile chess piece on defense.
The Raiders’ decision to move on from Burney may have more to do with roster fit and depth chart logistics than a reflection of his talent. Las Vegas had a crowded linebacker room heading into the summer, and Burney may have simply been the odd man out in a numbers game. Tennessee is banking on a change of scenery and new coaching to unlock what made Burney a Day 3 draft selection just a year ago.
Burney’s arrival also speaks to the Titans’ desire to get younger and faster defensively. The AFC South has seen an influx of offensive talent in recent years, including dynamic quarterbacks and pass-catching tight ends. Having a linebacker who can run with these threats and match up in space is increasingly valuable. If Burney develops as hoped, he could be a long-term piece in countering those matchups.
It’s also a low-risk, high-upside move for the Titans. Claiming Burney off waivers doesn’t require significant financial commitment, and the team retains control of his rookie contract. If he sticks on the 53-man roster or practice squad, it’s a win for roster building. If not, the Titans at least explored a potentially valuable option without sacrificing long-term assets.
In the broader context of the Titans’ offseason, this move fits into a clear strategy. They’ve prioritized building depth and competition across the board. From signing veteran free agents to investing in youth, Tennessee has tried to reshape the roster into one capable of contending in a division that is becoming more competitive by the year. Every roster spot matters, and players like Burney represent the type of upside the Titans need to maximize.
Burney’s immediate impact may be modest, but he should not be overlooked. Players claimed off waivers sometimes become valuable contributors and even starters. Burney has the pedigree, college production, and athletic traits to make the most of this opportunity. The Titans’ staff will aim to accelerate his transition and identify where he fits best within their schemes.
The preseason will be telling. If Burney can flash in exhibition games and practices, he could work his way into the rotation. Injuries are inevitable in the NFL, and depth is critical. A player like Burney could become more than just insurance; he could be a pleasant surprise.
As the Titans continue to retool their roster, Amari Burney represents another piece in that evolving puzzle. It’s a fresh start for a young player eager to prove he belongs and a smart, calculated addition by a franchise looking to get back to the top of the AFC South.
The Titans will now look to integrate Burney into offseason workouts and begin evaluating how best to deploy his skill set. Whether as a core special teamer, situational linebacker, or developmental project, Burney will have every chance to make his mark in Nashville. The next few months will be pivotal in determining whether this waiver claim turns into something much more substantial.
For now, Burney gets a new chance, and the Titans add a promising defender to their ranks. With the season drawing closer, moves like these could quietly shape the team’s fortunes in 2025 and beyond. Tennessee fans will be watching closely as the newcomer takes his first steps in a Titans uniform, hoping that Amari Burney is ready to turn potential into production on the next stop of his NFL journey.