Search for depth at outside linebacker continues

Vanderbilt's Josh Smith signed to replace a player added less than a week earlier

If the Tennessee Titans don’t find a promising prospect at outside linebacker this offseason, at least no one can say they didn’t try.

Friday, the Titans signed undrafted rookie Josh Smith and waived James Folston Jr., who had been on the roster less than a week. It was the third time in fewer than two weeks general manager Jon Robinson and his staff made a change down the depth chart at that particular position.

Smith (6-foot-4, 240 pounds), out of Vanderbilt, took part in the team’s rookie orientation on a tryout basis but did not earn a contract at that time. He played inside and outside linebacker for the Commodores and started 12 games on the outside as a senior in 2018.

A rundown of the Tennessee Titans’ 2019 transactions involving outside linebacker:

• January 1: Signed Gimel President to a futures contract

• March 15: Signed Cameron Wake as a free agent

• April 27: Drafted D’Andre Walker in the fifth round

• May 10: Signed Derick Roberson as an undrafted free agent

• August 1: Signed free agent Jordan Williams; waived Gimel President

• August 10: Place D’Andre Walker on injured reserve

• August 12: Signed James Folston Jr.; waived-injured Jordan Williams

• August 16: Signed Josh Smith; waived James Folston Jr.

Outside linebacker is the position that will see the most significant change from last season following the retirements of Brian Orakpo and Derrick Morgan. Free agent Cameron Wake and second-year players Harold Landry and Sharif Finch all figure ot have established roles, as does veteran backup Kamalei Correa.

Beyond that, it’s anybody’s guess. And now it’s Smith’s opportunity.