More off-ball linebacker dominoes are falling Tuesday, the latest involving the Titans. They are signing former 49ers linebacker Azeez Al-Shaair, Dianna Russini of ESPN.com tweets.
Al-Shaair has a clear connection to Tennessee, with new Titans GM Ran Carthon being in San Francisco when the 49ers acquired him back in 2019. After the 49ers gave Fred Warner a then-record extension back in 2021 and then extended Dre Greenlaw, it became clear Al-Shaair would need to sign his second contract elsewhere.
The former UDFA had multiple clear options — both in the AFC South — to choose from in leaving the Bay Area. DeMeco Ryans being the Texans’ coach created a clear avenue to Houston, and the Titans’ rivals were believed to be interested. But Al-Shaair will reunite with Carthon in Tennessee.
A Greenlaw 2021 injury opened the door for Al-Shaair to audition as a three-down linebacker. He made regular contributions to Ryans’ first San Francisco defense, and Pro Football Focus graded the Florida Atlantic product as a top-20 off-ball ‘backer in 2022. Al-Shaair, 25, came off IR around the midseason point and remained a regular, though Warner and Greenlaw garnered more playing time. Al-Shaair, who made 102 tackles during his extended audition in 2021, should have a chance to be a three-down ‘backer with the Titans.
The Titans are retooling at linebacker, and although this project may not be as significant as the one the team is working on along its offensive line, both David Long and Zach Cunningham are no longer on the roster. The Titans cut Cunningham and let Long agree to a Dolphins deal Monday. This opens the door for Al-Shaair, who will be a great be to be a three-down regular in Tennessee next season.