The Cowboys linebacker corps is suddenly a little thinner.
Luke Gifford has agreed to terms with the Tennessee Titans, as first reported by ESPN’s Todd Archer on Tuesday. The 27-year-old, who played mostly on special teams over four seasons with Dallas, will sign a two-year deal worth $5 million, with $1 million guaranteed.
The former Nebraska Cornhusker had been a favorite of the Cowboys staff since joining the club as an undrafted free agent in 2019. His playing time increased with each season, and coaches believed he would be in line to take more snaps with the regular defense in 2023.
Gifford led the Cowboys in special teams snaps and special teams tackles in 2022. He recovered a fumble in a master-class performance against Green Bay in Week 10 and forced a fumble against Minnesota seven days later.
LB Luke Gifford has agreed to a two-year deal worth up to $5 million with the Tennessee Titans, according a source. Gifford led the Cowboys in special teams tackles in ‘22 and coaches believed he could handle larger role on defense.
— Todd Archer (@toddarcher) March 14, 2023
Current Cowboys linebacker Leighton Vander Esch is on the verge of hitting the open market, as is Anthony Barr.
The Cowboys reportedly made Gifford an offer to stay, as per Michael Gehlken of the Dallas Morning News, but Tennessee’s package apparently proved more attractive to the free agent linebacker.
Gifford’s signing by the Titans comes one day after the team lost David linebacker David Long to Miami via free agency. Mike Moraitis of Titans Wire speculates that Gifford could compete for a defensive role in Tennessee but will likely continue to play primarily on special teams.
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