Following a failed bid for QB Peyton Manning, the Titans turned their attention to the defense, acquiring former Raiders pass rusher Kamerion Wimbley on Tuesday.
Wimbley received a five-year $35 million deal with $13.5 million guaranteed, according to The (Nashville) Tennessean. The Raiders and new general manager Reggie McKenzie last week released Wimbley one season into a five-year, $48 million contract as a cost-cutting move.
The 28-year-old collected 16 sacks in two seasons with the Raiders as a 3-4 outside linebacker, and joins a Titans pass rush that managed the second-fewest sacks in the league last season (28). Tennessee plans to utilize Wimbley as a 4-3 defensive end.
"I felt like it would be an easy transition for me to go back to playing defensive end which is what I played in college,'' Wimbley told The Tennessean. "So I am looking forward to the opportunity to come in and get into a Titans uniform and be able to perform on Sunday."
In six seasons, Wimbley has 369 career tackles, 42.5 sacks and eight forced fumbles. It has been speculated that the Titans would have pursued free agent defensive end Mario Williams, now a member of the Bills, if not for their interest in Manning. Wimbley, a cheaper alternative, became available late in the game.
"Kamerion has been a very productive player in this league and is a good pro," Titans coach Mike Munchak said in a statement. "On passing downs over the last few years, he has played with his hand down in Oakland and he will playing full-time at defensive end for us. I feel like he is coming into the best years of his career and his skills will help us pressure the passer."
