The Tennessee Titans’ hesitation to sign rookie linebacker Femi Oladejo likely comes down to one painfully obvious factor: roster depth and developmental timing. Oladejo, a fifth-round pick from Oregon, is an athletic but raw talent, still growing into his frame and role after transitioning from offense to defense in college. With the Titans already fielding a logjam of inside linebackers — including veterans like Kenneth Murray Jr., Jack Gibbens, and 2023 standout Azeez Al-Shaair — there’s limited immediate need or space for a project linebacker on the active 53-man roster.
But beyond positional competition, the Titans are also navigating a new front office under GM Ran Carthon, who has emphasized long-term roster flexibility. Delayed signings of late-round rookies are not unprecedented — teams sometimes use this as leverage to negotiate more favorable contract terms or to wait until after minicamps to reassess depth needs. It’s not about Oladejo being unwanted — it’s about timing, fit, and strategic patience.
The fact that he remains unsigned may also signal the Titans’ intent to place him on the practice squad or injured list without guaranteeing his rookie contract. This move allows Tennessee to retain rights to his development without investing cap space prematurely.
In short, the Titans aren’t dismissing Oladejo — they’re just not rushing into anything. For now, Femi sits in limbo not because of his talent, but because the Titans are carefully threading the needle between roster competition and long-term development strategy.
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