LB Luke Gifford signs with a new team for 2023

A former Cornhusker linebacker will play for a new NFL team next season. Luke Gifford agreed to a two-year contract with the Tennessee Titans on Tuesday after spending the last four years with the Cowboys.

The Lincoln, Nebraska native is coming off a 2022 season where he led Dallas with 15 special teams tackles. That number was good enough for sixth overall in the NFL.

Gifford has primarily been a special teams contributor, playing in only 42 defensive snaps last season. However, it seems that was about to change as ESPN Cowboys reporter Todd Archer has said that coaches believed the linebacker was ready to step into a larger role within the Cowboy’s defense.

Archer tweeted out the news on Tuesday morning.

LB Luke Gifford has agreed to a two-year deal worth up to $5 million with the Tennessee Titans, according to a source. Gifford led the Cowboys in special teams tackles in ‘22, and coaches believed he could handle a larger role on defense.

Shaun Calderon of Titans Wire writes.

This move was clearly made with the intention of Gifford becoming an integral piece of the special teams units, but the fact that he also has some long-term potential on defense solidifies a good grade.

Gifford played at Nebraska from 2015-18. In that time, he appeared in 29 games, recording 109 tackles, 15.5 tackles for loss, seven sacks, and one interception. His 2018 season was his most successful, logging 62 tackles, 11 tackles for loss, and seven sacks.

The former Blackshirt signed with the Cowboys as an undrafted free agent in 2019.

LB Luke Gifford has agreed to a two-year deal worth up to $5 million with the Tennessee Titans, according a source. Gifford led the Cowboys in special teams tackles in ‘22 and coaches believed he could handle larger role on defense.

— Todd Archer (@toddarcher) March 14, 2023