Skip to main content

Report: Titans Linebacker Azeez Al-Shaair Expected To Sign With AFC South Rival Texans

On the first day of NFL free agency, the Tennessee Titans lost leading tackler Azeez Al-Shaair and sacks leader Denico Autry to the Houston Texans, the Titans' rivals and AFC South champions.

NASHVILLE — Linebacker Azeez Al-Shaair, the Tennessee Titans' team leader in tackles last season, is reportedly signing with the AFC South rival Houston Texans. 

Al-Shaair will reunite with defensive end Denico Autry, the Titans' 2023 leader in quarterback sacks. Autry agreed to terms with the Texans earlier on Monday. 

After spending four years with the San Francisco 49ers, Al-Shaair had a breakout season with the Titans last year. His 163 tackles ranked him fifth in the NFL. He also had two sacks, nine tackles for loss, and four pass breakups.

Al-Shaair previously played for Texans coach DeMeco Ryans when he was the defensive coordinator for the 49ers. 

According to NFL Network, Al-Shaair signed a three-year deal for $34 million — well above contract projections. Pro Football Focus had projected that Al-Shaair would merit a three-year deal at $7.75 million per year.

Cornerback Sean Murphy-Bunting also left the Titans, signing with the Arizona Cardinals. 

The Titans signed center Lloyd Cushenberry, running back Tony Pollard, and cornerback Chidobe Awuzie. 

  • DENICO AUTRY TO TEXANS: Denico Autry had a career-high 11.5 sacks last season for the Tennessee Titans. Pro Football Focus (PFF) ranks Autry as the 12th-best edge rusher on the free-agent market and the 64th-best available player overall. CLICK HERE
  • MURPHY-BUNTING TO ARIZONA: Sean Murphy-Bunting was a starting corner for a Tennessee Titans unit that ranked 26th in pass coverage last season. His Pro Football Focus (PFF) coverage grade was 57.6, which placed him 90th out of 127 NFL cornerbacks. CLICK HERE
  • NEW RB TONY POLLARD: Tony Pollard, a Memphis native who is 26 years old, is coming off consecutive 1,000-yard rushing seasons with the Dallas Cowboys. Signing Pollard likely means certain goodbye for Tennessee Titans great Derrick Henry. CLICK HERE
  • NEW CENTER LLOYD CUSHENBERRY: The Tennessee Titans reportedly will sign Denver Broncos free agent Lloyd Cushenberry, who is expected to pass protection up the middle for quarterback Will Levis. Cushenberry, who is 6-foot-4 and 315 pounds, allowed only one sack in 2023. CLICK HERE