One of their five free-agent signings thus far, former Dallas Cowboys linebacker Luke Gifford is expected to play primarily on special teams for the Tennessee Titans in 2023.
After all, that’s the role he’s played the most during his career, with the 27-year-old linebacker playing just 74 defensive snaps over his four years in Dallas.
Gifford wasn’t shy in admitting that his primary role with the Titans will be on special teams, an area he hopes to “dominate”, but he also hopes to pick up some snaps on defense.
“I know that wherever I go, my role is going to be first to just dominate on special teams,” he said, per Paul Kuharsky. “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
The Titans do have some question marks at the position right now.
The team did sign Azeez Al-Shaair, who figures to take one of the starting jobs, but the jury is still out on Monty Rice, and the Titans have little experience behind him, giving Gifford a chance to get some snaps.
As far as which linebacker roles he can play on defense are concerned, Gifford feels he offers some versatility there.
He also said he reached out to former Nebraska teammate and current Titans free-agent defensive back, Joshua Kalu, to ask about Tennessee prior to free agency.
Gifford said he has the ability to play strong, weak and middle linebacker.
— Terry McCormick (@terrymc13) March 20, 2023
Luke Gifford said he contacted Josh Kalu about a week before free agency about the #Titans. They played together at Nebraska.
— Terry McCormick (@terrymc13) March 20, 2023
Head coach Mike Vrabel loves him some good special teams play, and he must be giddy over Gifford’s intention to “dominate” in that area in 2023.
