NASHVILLE – The Titans have claimed former Texans linebacker Zach Cunningham off waivers.
Cunningham, who turns 27 on Sunday, was released by the Texans on Wednesday.
A former Vanderbilt star, Cunningham recorded 67 total tackles, one forced fumble and three pass deflections in 10 games this season for Houston.
A second-round pick in the 2017 NFL Draft, Cunningham has eclipsed the 100 total tackle mark in each of the past three seasons, including 164 tackles in 2020.
Cunningham (6-3, 238) joins the Titans after four-plus seasons in Houston, playing 72 games (66 starts). During his time with the Texans, he tallied 570 tackles, 26 tackles for loss, 6.5 sacks, five forced fumbles, thee fumble recoveries and one interception. His 164 tackles ranked as the second-highest total in the NFL in 2020, and a career high.
As a player at Vanderbilt, Cunningham earned All-SEC honors in 2015 and 2016.
Cunningham should help a position group that's been ravaged by injuries this season. Linebacker Rashaan Evans has missed the past five games, and inside backer David Long has missed the last three games. Last week, the Titans placed inside backer Monty Rice on Injured Reserve. Jayon Brown also spent four weeks on Injured Reserve.
Evans practiced on Thursday, and he appears to be headed in the right direction from a health standpoint.
But the addition of Cunningham gives the Titans a proven playmaker, and even more flexibility.
The Titans face the Jaguars on Sunday at Nissan Stadium.
