The Tennessee Titans made a much-needed addition to their linebackers room on Tuesday morning when they reportedly agreed to terms with ex-Dallas Cowboys linebacker, Luke Gifford.
According to ESPN’s Todd Archer, Gifford’s deal with the Titans is for two years and worth up to $5 million.
Gifford has played predominantly on special teams during his career, and the money would indicate he won’t be a starter. That said. as Archer points out, Cowboys coaches believe he could take on a bigger role.
More likely than not, Gifford will play a similar role to Dylan Cole, where he’s mostly a special teams teams contributor, but I think we’ll see Gifford on defense a bit more than Cole was when everyone was healthy.
As far as reaction is concerned, Cowboys fans and media praised Gifford and were sad to see him go. Meanwhile, Titans fans and media were fine with the move but understandably not totally excited about it.
LB Luke Gifford has agreed to a two-year deal worth up to $5 million with the Tennessee Titans, according a source. Gifford led the Cowboys in special teams tackles in ‘22 and coaches believed he could handle larger role on defense.
— Todd Archer (@toddarcher) March 14, 2023
Andre Dilliard AND Luke Gifford???? I'm thinking Super Bowl. #Titans
— Paul Ruddy (@ParddyMa) March 14, 2023
Vrabel bringing in a Nebraska Blackshirt
We all know what void he is trying to fill
Welcome to Nashville @luke_gifford‼️☠️ https://t.co/qWh1BUFJW6
— Will Compton (@_willcompton) March 14, 2023
I know special teams linebackers aren’t exciting, but at least it does appear that the #Titans got a good one. Out of 205 qualifying special teamers in 2022, Luke Gifford received the 4th highest special teams grade from PFF.
— Mike Herndon (@MikeHerndonNFL) March 14, 2023
More Luke Gifford info. So far — granted it’s just two signings, but still — Carthon appears to be placing bets on good athletes who haven’t seen a ton of opportunities to play yet. Both Dillard and Gifford were stuck behind extremely talented teammates at their previous teams. https://t.co/nu8vJWx4AG
— Mike Herndon (@MikeHerndonNFL) March 14, 2023
Luke Gifford had a really nice career with the Cowboys.
Did a lot of quiet work. https://t.co/I0To7U7Tqu
— RJ Ochoa (@rjochoa) March 14, 2023
Hey @dallascowboys nation, a VALUABLE piece to this teams special teams has departed as Luke Gifford signs a 2 year deal with Tennessee. I had high hopes for Gifford at the line backer position coming out of college and I genuinely feel he was never given an opportunity to play
— G from Jersey (@formula_g201) March 14, 2023
#Titans approach so far is to sign guys who have flashed some ability, but haven’t had a ton of opportunities in their career so far.
Cheap, low risk deals where you hope the player does more with more chances. Not a bad strategy for a team in the middle of transition.
— TicTacTitans (@TicTacTitans) March 14, 2023
Cowboys LB Luke Gifford has inked a 2-yr, $5 million deal with the Titans, per @toddarcher.
Gifford was a special teams stud who promised to get reps defensively had he returned to the team.
— How Bout Them (@HowBoutThem88) March 14, 2023
The definition of a “Vrabel” guy. The #Titans needed LB depth and the #Cowboys have Devin Harper to become his replacement.
Gifford has been with Dallas since his preseason gem against the #Raiders and had 5 special teams tackles in GB which MM loved. Best of luck @luke_gifford https://t.co/hE3xWfmYL2
— Brandon Loree (@Brandoniswrite) March 14, 2023
Thanks for your time wearing the Star @luke_gifford 👏
Keep balling out in Nashville!💪 https://t.co/vHiif9Ai6K
— Coach Lira (Moses Lira) (@lira_moses) March 14, 2023
The Titans are still very thin at linebacker right now with Monty Rice. We will see what other additions they have in store after Luke Gifford. https://t.co/25DIyIqN0I
— Master IDP (@MasterIDP) March 14, 2023
I personally don't care about ILBs for the #Titans because they come out of no where all the time. Jayon Brown was a day 3 pick, David Long Jr was a day 3 pick, that can be filled easily.
I'd like an edge to rotate with Weaver, but I just wanna concentrate on the bigger holes.
— Peter Da Sports GAWD (@Pacman453323) March 14, 2023
Can you say, a Mike Vrabel 'Special Teams' Special #Titans https://t.co/E8KC3L8KWn
— Kayla Anderson (@KaylaAndersonTV) March 14, 2023
