Tennessee shifts focus to defensive depth, signing former UFL standout Dyontae Johnson to fortify the linebacker corps following Dominique Hampton’s injury-related departure ahead of the preseason finale.
The Tennessee Titans added yet another to the mix on Tuesday after the recent signing of Reid Carrico.
The franchise waived linebacker Dominique Hampton with an injury designation. Hampton's injury is currently undisclosed.
He joined the Titans after being drafted by the Washington Commanders in 2024 out of Washington. He made the move from safety to linebacker, similar to what James Williams Sr. did for the Titans.
After playing one game as a rookie, he was released during roster cuts the following year. He then joined the Chicago Bears' practice squad.
Hampton was later released by the Bears that season but rejoined the practice squad for a second time. He got a future/reserve contract from the organization in January but was waived in June.
Hampton played in the Titans' first preseason game against the San Francisco 49ers but was absent from Sunday night's game against the Seattle Seahawks.
To take Hampton's place, the Titans signed linebacker Dyontae Johnson, per insider Jim Wyatt.
Hampton went undrafted out of Toledo in 2023 and signed with the New York Giants.
He didn't make the initial 53-man roster and then joined the practice squad. After suffering an injury in the preseason, he was eventually placed on injured reserve.
In the Spring of 2025, he was re-signed by the Giants but got waived later in August.
He then tried his hand with the Birmingham Stallions of the UFL. He played in nine games and accounted for 30 total tackles, one TFL and one interception. He brought explosive plays to the UFL and is now joining the Titans.
The Titans have started to change trends with the players they've signed in the preseason. At first, Tennessee was all about the defensive backs.
Hudson Clark, Derrick Canteen, Nazeeh Johnson, Corey Mayfield and Mario Goodrich are among the defensive backs the Titans have signed.
The Titans have recently signed Hampton, Carrico, Milo Eifler and Johnson. Eifler and Hampton have since been waived by the team.
Whether it's been due to injuries or the Titans not being satisfied with the depth at the position, linebackers have been the favorite signing in recent history.
Johnson won't have much time to impress the Titans in the joint practice against the Chicago Bears on Thursday.
The Titans will then end their preseason with the Bears on Saturday night at Nissan Stadium. Kickoff will be at 5 p.m. CT on NFL Network.
Can Johnson do enough in such a short amount of time to impress this coaching staff and carve out a role on the team?
