Titans rookie defender was better off going undrafted
The Tennessee Titans had six selections in the 2023 NFL Draft, and the Titans' front office used each one of them on an offensive player. But just because the Titans did not draft any defenders in the 259 picks announced does not mean they are not looking to add to that side of the ball. […]
The Tennessee Titans had six selections in the 2023 NFL Draft, and the Titans' front office used each one of them on an offensive player.
But just because the Titans did not draft any defenders in the 259 picks announced does not mean they are not looking to add to that side of the ball. For the players, failing to get drafted does not mean they won't get an opportunity to make an NFL roster and make some money.
One Titans undrafted free agent signing, Minnesota outside linebacker Thomas Rush, was actually better off undrafted than he would have been had he gotten picked.
Rush was one of the most coveted undrafted free agents in his class. Moments after the draft came to a close in late April, Rush signed an undrafted free agent contract with the Titans that included a $15,000 signing bonus and $160,000 of his base salary guaranteed in 2023.
In total, Rush got a three-year, $2.56 million deal with $175,000 in total guarantees. That's far more guaranteed money than the rest of the Titans' undrafted free agents.
Jerrick Reed II, a safety drafted by the Seahawks in the sixth round (198th overall) of the draft, got $174,800 in guarantees for his rookie contract. By going undrafted, Rush actually landed more guaranteed money than any player drafted in the mid-late sixth round or seventh round of the draft.
There were three players at the same position (outside linebacker) drafted over Rush in the last few rounds that received less guaranteed money in their rookie contracts. Not to mention that Rush had the option of choosing his destination.
Titans head coach Mike Vrabel mentioned Rush by name when speaking to the media following rookie minicamp on Saturday, saying that the former Minnesota Golden Gopher was working hard to carve out a role for himself on special teams.
"As a young player, especially an undrafted one, the first place for you to make an impact on this football team is going to be special teams," Vrabel said. "[Caleb Murphy] is working hard at that, as well as Thomas Rush. So that's something that we will have to evaluate is where they can help us on special teams and how quickly they develop at outside linebacker. "
Rush recorded 65 tackles, 10 tackles for loss, and seven sacks in his final two years at Minnesota. Now the 6-foot-3, 250 pound disruptor looks to make Tennessee's 53-man roster and keep the pay days coming.
