The Tennessee Titans have added some more depth to their defense, agreeing to terms on a free agent contract with veteran linebacker Ben Niemann.

Niemann, 27, has five NFL seasons under his belt including 79 games played and 21 career starts. He has recorded 237 career tackles during his time with the Arizona Cardinals and Kansas City Chiefs, and became a Super Bowl champion with Kansas City following the 2019 season.

In 2022, Niemann had a career-high 70 tackles and nine starts for the Cardinals.

In adding Niemann, the Titans get some quality depth at linebacker – a position group that has seen a lot of turnover this offseason. 2022 starters David Long Jr. and Zach Cunningham are no longer with the team. The Titans signed Azeez Al-Shaair in free agency to replace Long and 2021 third-round pick Monty Rice is also expected to see a fair number of snaps.

Tennessee also has Luke Gifford, a recently signed special teams standout who is due for some more defensive opportunity with the Titans, and former undrafted free agent Jack Gibbens, who shined down the stretch of last season.

Niemann can be expected to compete for meaningful snaps and likely work into the Titans' defensive rotation. He'll also be a big factor on special teams. 

The Titans know from experience that linebacker depth is important, especially given the team's recent history of injuries. If Tennessee wants to compete in 2023, continuing to stop the run is imperative. Adding experienced veterans that contribute in two facets of the game and have played under the brightest lights imaginable is generally a good idea. That's what the Titans are getting in Niemann.