Titans Waive Linebacker, Sign Former Fifth-Round Pick During Training Camp
The Tennessee Titans continue making adjustments to their defensive roster as training camp rolls on ahead of the 2026 season.
With Robert Saleh entering his first year leading the franchise and calling the defense alongside coordinator Gus Bradley, the Titans are evaluating every position as they prepare for Week 1.
Titans Move On from Shad Banks Jr.
Tennessee announced that it has waived/injured linebacker Shad Banks Jr., who joined the organization as an undrafted free agent following the 2026 NFL Draft.
Banks wrapped up his collegiate career at UTSA in 2025, where he posted an impressive stat line that included 94 total tackles, 7.5 tackles for loss, two sacks, three interceptions, and two pass breakups.
Prior to transferring to UTSA, Banks spent four seasons at TCU, totaling 114 tackles, two sacks, one interception, and one pass defended during his time with the Horned Frogs.
If Banks clears waivers, he could return to the Titans’ injured reserve list.
Dominique Hampton Joins Tennessee
To fill the vacancy, the Titans signed linebacker Dominique Hampton, a former fifth-round selection by the Washington Commanders in the 2024 NFL Draft.
Hampton has appeared in just one NFL game, logging six snaps on special teams without recording a tackle.
Before turning pro, Hampton spent six seasons at Washington, where he developed into a productive defender. During his college career, he accumulated 190 tackles, two interceptions, and 14 pass breakups.
While the signing is unlikely to make a major impact on Tennessee’s roster immediately, Hampton now has an opportunity to compete throughout training camp. A strong showing could improve his chances of earning a spot on the 53-man roster or carving out a role on special teams.
Crowded Linebacker Competition
At this stage, Hampton enters camp near the bottom of the Titans’ linebacker depth chart and faces a difficult path to making the regular-season roster.
Tennessee’s linebacker group already features several established and emerging contributors. Rookie Anthony Hill Jr., the No. 60 overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft, has been working with the first-team defense and is viewed as a leading candidate to wear the defensive communication “green dot” during his first NFL season.
Veteran Cody Barton also returns for the second year of his three-year, $21 million contract, while Cedric Gray has generated positive reviews with his performances in training camp.
With limited NFL experience, Hampton will need to stand out over the remainder of camp. If he can impress Saleh and Bradley, he could earn consideration for a reserve linebacker role or secure a place on Tennessee’s special teams unit entering the 2026 season.
Leave a Reply