When the Houston Texans released linebacker Zach Cunningham in 2021, it was thought the Tennessee Titans would have no shot to claim him, as they were far down in the waiver priority.
However, the rest of the league decided to pass on Cunningham, which led to him falling right into the Titans’ lap.
Cunningham not only played well in Tennessee, but he also earned a starting role and helped make both Rashaan Evans and Jayon Brown expendable. Looking ahead to 2022, Cunningham is set to make up a talented and exciting duo at inside linebacker with David Long.
So, what led to Cunningham being cut in Houston? Former head coach David Culley was a guest on Outkick 360 and talked about what went wrong with the linebacker.
David Culley on @Outkick360 on releasing Zach Cunningham who was claimed by the #Titans: Zach wasn't doing the things in our culture we wanted done. Still speaks highly of him as a player and person.
— Paul Kuharsky (@PaulKuharskyNFL) June 27, 2022
Cunningham had disciplinary issues in Houston prior to his release but has been a model teammate since coming to Nashville, which tells us he was probably just trying to force his way out of a bad situation.
Culley, who was one-and-done with the Texans despite having done just about as good of a job as one could do with such a bad roster, explained it was philosophical differences with the team that led to his firing.
He also noted that he would coach the Texans again if given the opportunity and wouldn’t be joining the Brian Flores lawsuit, of which the Titans are now defendants in after their former coach, Ray Horton, joined it.
David Cullley on @Outkick360: #Texans wanted me to do some things with my staff I didn’t want to do, I didn’t think were needed. Two days later I was fired over philosophical differences. pic.twitter.com/1NDm32yMhn
— Paul Kuharsky (@PaulKuharskyNFL) June 27, 2022
David Culley on @OutKick360: I was asked to join Flores lawsuit. Didn't. I do support him, don't know all the reasons why, but I understand where he's going with the lawsuit. #Texans #NFL.
— Paul Kuharsky (@PaulKuharskyNFL) June 27, 2022
David Culley on @outkick360: I would take the #Texans job again. Never felt it would be one-and-done even after the season. Deshaun Watson's presence was never an issue, he was just there.
— Paul Kuharsky (@PaulKuharskyNFL) June 27, 2022
