Tennessee Titans Roster Moves: Awarding LB Amari Burney Off Waivers from Las Vegas Raiders

The Tennessee Titans’ ongoing pursuit of team improvement and roster upgrades continues with the recent announcement of linebacker Amari Burney being awarded to the team off waivers from the Las Vegas Raiders. As teams across the NFL work tirelessly to ensure their roster is set for the upcoming season, this move signals an important development in the Titans’ linebacker corps and their overall defensive strategy. For fans, analysts, and coaches alike, understanding this transaction requires a closer look at Burney’s background, what this move signifies for the Titans, and the potential impact it could have on the team’s performance as the season progresses.

Before diving into the potential reasons for the Titans’ decision to acquire Amari Burney, it’s important to first understand who Burney is as a player. Amari Burney, born in 1999 in Jacksonville, Florida, is a linebacker who entered the NFL as an undrafted free agent in 2023. He played college football at the University of Florida, where he built a reputation for his versatility and ability to impact the game in multiple facets.

Burney was a key contributor to the Florida Gators’ defense, showcasing his athleticism and playmaking ability over his four seasons (2019-2022) in Gainesville. During his time at Florida, he exhibited impressive range as a linebacker, demonstrating a strong understanding of both run and pass defense. His ability to read the opposing offense and make key tackles made him a standout player in the SEC. Burney’s college career featured consistent performances, and he was often deployed as a hybrid linebacker, sometimes lining up at safety or in other defensive positions, which helped him develop a broad skill set.

In his final season at Florida, Burney registered 91 tackles, including 6 tackles for loss, and 1 interception, further bolstering his draft stock. His quickness and ability to move sideline to sideline were notable, though his lack of elite size and raw athleticism may have been factors in him going undrafted. Nevertheless, Burney’s football IQ and his tenacity on the field made him an intriguing prospect for teams looking to improve their depth at linebacker.

Amari Burney’s journey into the NFL began when he signed with the Las Vegas Raiders as an undrafted free agent after the 2023 NFL Draft. The Raiders, who were undergoing some defensive reshuffling during the offseason, added Burney to their roster in hopes of finding an affordable and versatile linebacker who could contribute in a variety of ways.

Unfortunately for Burney, his time with the Raiders was brief. While the Raiders certainly saw potential in him, he ultimately found himself waived after failing to crack the regular-season roster. This wasn’t entirely unexpected given that, as an undrafted free agent, Burney faced an uphill battle to make the team, especially with the high level of competition at linebacker in the Raiders’ camp. Despite his release, Burney’s performance in the Raiders’ training camp and preseason didn’t go unnoticed, and it didn’t take long for another team to express interest.

So, why did the Titans decide to claim Burney off waivers, and what does this acquisition mean for their team? The Titans have long been known for their strong defensive philosophy, which has been a cornerstone of their identity under head coach Mike Vrabel. The linebacker position, in particular, has historically been a key area of focus for the Titans, and they’ve built their defense around tough, physical play at that position.

Tennessee’s linebacker group has seen some significant changes over the past few seasons. The team has seen a mix of veteran and young players fighting for starting roles, but the overall depth and quality at linebacker had some questions going into the 2025 season. With Burney, the Titans are adding a player who has the potential to contribute on special teams and in a reserve role, while also developing into a rotational linebacker as the season progresses.

The Titans were particularly intrigued by Burney’s versatility and ability to fit into their defensive schemes. As a linebacker who has experience playing in both traditional and hybrid roles, Burney can add flexibility to the defense. The team’s defensive coordinator, Shane Bowen, likely saw an opportunity to incorporate Burney into different packages depending on the opponent. His athleticism and quickness, paired with his football IQ, make him an ideal candidate for a defensive system that values adaptability.

Additionally, Burney’s skill set provides the Titans with options when it comes to both defending the run and covering in pass situations. His experience covering tight ends and running backs out of the backfield, as well as his comfort in a zone or man-to-man scheme, means that the Titans can use him in various ways. His ability to move sideline to sideline also makes him an asset when defending against outside runs or fast-paced passing attacks. This versatility is especially valuable in today’s NFL, where offenses constantly evolve and exploit defensive mismatches.

Burney’s inclusion in the Titans’ roster is a move that reflects their continued focus on improving depth and competition at the linebacker position. The team’s defensive depth chart, while solid, could always use reinforcements, especially as injuries and the grind of the season often test even the best units. With a long-term vision in mind, the Titans may also be looking at Burney as a developmental player who could grow into a key contributor over time.

1. Versatility and Flexibility:
   As mentioned, Burney’s most notable asset is his versatility. During his time at Florida, he demonstrated the ability to play multiple linebacker positions and even line up in a more traditional safety role. For the Titans, this flexibility gives defensive coordinator Shane Bowen additional tools to work with. Whether the team needs Burney to step in on passing downs or utilize him as a run-stopper, his ability to transition between various defensive assignments could be a significant factor.
2. Special Teams Contribution:
   One of the areas where Burney could immediately make an impact is on special teams. Many undrafted rookies and young players who are trying to make the roster often find their niche by excelling in special teams play. Given Burney’s athleticism, speed, and aggressiveness, it’s likely that the Titans will look to utilize him in this area as well. A player who can excel in special teams can not only help a team win the battle for field position but also serve as a valuable backup who is ready to step into a bigger role if injuries or roster changes occur.
3. Tackling and Coverage Skills:
   Burney’s ability to read plays, make solid tackles, and cover receivers is something the Titans will hope translates into a seamless fit within their defense. As a linebacker who was known for his reliable tackling in college, Burney could serve as a reliable option in the middle of the field, particularly in short-yardage and goal-line situations. Additionally, his coverage ability will be crucial in defending against running backs and tight ends in the passing game, which has become an increasingly important role for linebackers in today’s NFL.
4. Developmental Potential:
   While Burney may not be an immediate starter for the Titans, he certainly possesses the potential to develop into a significant contributor over time. The Titans’ coaching staff, especially under head coach Mike Vrabel, has a track record of maximizing the potential of younger players. Burney will have the chance to work with some experienced linebackers in Tennessee’s system, and with his high football IQ and work ethic, he could evolve into a valuable player for the Titans down the road.

At the time of Burney’s acquisition, the Titans’ linebacker group featured several familiar faces, including veterans like Harold Landry and David Long Jr., as well as promising younger players. However, it’s clear that the team’s defense has faced some challenges in terms of consistency, especially when it comes to linebacker play. With Landry coming off a significant injury and Long Jr. continuing to develop, the Titans have been searching for additional depth and playmaking ability from this position.

In this context, Amari Burney represents both a depth addition and a long-term project for the team. The Titans know that the linebacker position is critical to the success of their defense, and having strong depth in case of injury or underperformance is essential. With Burney on board, the Titans are looking to add a dynamic player who could push for a roster spot, contribute to the special teams unit, and ultimately provide more options in the defensive rotation.

The Tennessee Titans’ decision to claim linebacker Amari Burney off waivers from the Las Vegas Raiders is a move that signifies the team’s commitment to improving depth and flexibility at the linebacker position. While Burney may not be an immediate starter, his versatile skill set, special teams potential, and developmental upside make him an intriguing addition to the roster. For the Titans, it’s yet another step in their ongoing pursuit of building a strong, balanced roster that can contend for the AFC South title and beyond.

As the 2025 NFL season approaches, all eyes will be on how Burney integrates into the Titans’ defense and whether he can develop into the kind of player who can make a meaningful impact. Whether he is contributing on special teams or working his way into the defensive rotation, Burney’s presence gives the Titans an exciting option to further bolster their linebacker unit.

Ultimately, the move to acquire Amari Burney off waivers from the Raiders speaks to the Titans’ strategic approach to building depth, ensuring their defense remains competitive, and constantly searching for players who can help the team succeed both in the short and long term.