The Tennessee Titans continued to tweak the bottom of their roster on Monday, bringing in a trio of defensive players to bolster depth ahead of OTAs. According to ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler, the Titans have signed veteran cornerback Amani Oruwariye, a former standout with the Detroit Lions.
In addition, the team announced it has claimed linebacker Amari Burney off waivers from the Las Vegas Raiders. A sixth-round pick by the Raiders in 2023, Burney spent his rookie season primarily contributing on special teams.
These moves come as the Titans aim to build competition and versatility across their defensive unit during the offseason program.
Ttans Add CB Amani Oruwariye, DE Carlos Watkins, and LB Amari Burney; Waive DT Abdullah Anderson
The Tennessee Titans made several depth-focused moves on Monday as they continue shaping their roster ahead of the 2025 season. The team has signed veteran cornerback Amani Oruwariye and defensive end Carlos Watkins, while also claiming linebacker Amari Burney off waivers from the Las Vegas Raiders. To make room for the incoming trio, the Titans waived defensive tackle Abdullah Anderson.
Oruwariye, a six-year NFL veteran, brings experience and special teams versatility to Tennessee’s secondary. After emerging as a starter with the Detroit Lions early in his career, Oruwariye has since taken on rotational and special teams duties. In 2024, he appeared in seven games (four starts) for the Dallas Cowboys, recording 29 tackles and three pass deflections. However, he drew criticism for a special teams miscue that led to a game-deciding score following a blocked punt. Interestingly, his special teams coach in Dallas, John Fassel, now holds the same position in Tennessee, suggesting Oruwariye may be eyed for a similar role with the Titans.
Watkins, also a member of the Cowboys in 2024, appeared in 15 games and recorded 12 tackles across 225 defensive snaps. While he provides value on special teams, the 30-year-old former fourth-round pick out of Clemson still offers solid rotational ability on the defensive line. He has 87 career games under his belt, totaling 151 tackles and six sacks across stints with Houston and Dallas.
Burney, a 2023 sixth-round pick by the Raiders, played in all 17 games last season, contributing 17 tackles and a sack. With 24 career appearances over two seasons, the Florida product brings athleticism and special teams value to Tennessee’s linebacker group.
To clear a roster spot, the Titans waived Abdullah Anderson. The journeyman defensive tackle, who entered the league as an undrafted free agent out of Bucknell in 2018, spent most of 2024 on the Titans’ practice squad and appeared in four games without recording a tackle.
These moves reflect general manager Mike Borgonzi’s ongoing effort to bolster depth and competition across the Titans’ defensive units while giving special teams coordinator John Fassel familiar and versatile pieces to work with heading into training camp.
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