NASHVILLE – Rashad Weaver used to mull over thoughts about his lost season in 2021, when a broken fibula ended his rookie campaign after just two games.
Not any more.
These days, the Titans edge rusher is all about the present – and doing his best to make an impact now.
"It's Year 4, so it's time to take a leap not only for myself, but for this team," Weaver said. "I can truly show the full value of what they got out of this pick, plus more, because that has always been my goal. And if I do my job and reach my personal goals – my personal goals are tied in with this team - it will only elevate the team.
"Winners are loved everywhere, and it will benefit me and the team in every way possible."
A fourth-round pick of the Titans in the 2021 NFL Draft, Weaver has played in 33 games over his first three NFL seasons, with four starts.
In those contests Weaver has tallied 45 tackles, 5.5 sacks and 45 quarterback pressures. In 2023, Weaver played in 15 games and totaled 16 tackles, six pressures and no sacks a year after recording 5.5 sacks and 39 pressures in 2022.
Looking ahead to 2024, Weaver figures to have an opportunity to do more.
Following the departure of Denico Autry, Weaver is expected to be looked to as one of the pass rushers needing to make more of an impact behind Harold Landry and Arden Key.
"At the end of the day, Nico is gone, and that's a spot from a seasoned vet that played great reps and did a lot of great things here," Weaver said of the potential for more opportunities. "That will be open and in the league these days you need three good pass rushers… I'll do what I need to do. I'll be where I need to be, and I'll take advantage of what I need to do."
Weaver said he's worked this offseason to be in the best shape possible.
He spent the early part of the offseason doing a lot more running while training on Florida. During OTAs and minicamp, he's focused on his footwork, and being able to explode more off the line of scrimmage.
Weaver said he's felt a difference on the field.
Now, he wants to make more of a difference this fall.
"It is a different room, it's a different team," Weaver said. "I think there will be plenty of opportunities, it is all about what I do with it. … If I do what I need to do, it will be taken advantage of. If not, it will be on me. It will be nobody's fault but me."
