Titans’ New Linebacker Luke Gifford Ready to “Dominate on Special Teams”

The Tennessee Titans’ signing that caused the least amount of buzz may also be the signing most likely to produce a pro bowl appearance as special teams dynamo Luke Gifford looks to be a dominant force in one phase of the team while carving out a role on another.

NASHVILLE — The Tennessee Titans’ signing that was met with the least amount of fan fare was linebacker Luke Gifford. Gifford is a relative unknown to most fans due to his role on the Dallas Cowboys the last four years. Gifford has mostly been a special teams play having played over 900 career snaps in that phase and only playing 74 career snaps on defense. While Gifford may be excited about the chance to increase his role on defense, he clearly knows where his bread is buttered.

“I know wherever I go, my role is going to be first to just dominate on special teams,” he explained to the local media. “And then really just do whatever I can to help the team. Hopefully, whether that’s a little bit of linebacker here and there or whatever they see for me is what I’ll do. So, I’m excited about it for sure.”

Luke Gifford on landing with #Titans pic.twitter.com/uYbV7Ix0Q1

— Paul Kuharsky (@PaulKuharskyNFL) March 20, 2023

Gifford may not be a starting-level linebacker, but with the Titans current depth chart, he certainly could have a great opportunity to get more defensive snaps. The Titans other signing at linebacker, Azeez Al-Shaair, will most likely be ahead of Gifford on the depth chart, but after Al-Shaair there are no guarantees.

The rest of the group includes third-year player Monty Rice, who is probably the favorite to start next to Al-Shaair, but far from a lock. Also, you have two second-year players in Jack Gibbens and Chance Campbell. Both of them will be fighting for a roster spot, so ascending to a starting spot seems unlikely. This creates a real chance for Gifford to get opportunities, even if not as a starter full time.

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