Zach Cunningham has a new home in the NFL. After being waived by the Texans on Wednesday, the linebacker has been claimed by the Titans, per NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero (on Twitter). 
[Related: Texans To Waive Zach Cunningham]
The 27-year old was let go by Houston after having been a healthy scratch in Week 13. His playing time fluctuated throughout the season, his fifth in the NFL, all with Houston. He joins Phillip Lindsay as a post-trade deadline departure, and, more importantly, fellow off-ball linebacker Benardrick McKinney as former key pieces that will need replacing by the rebuilding Texans.
A second-round pick in 2017, Cunningham’s best season came in 2020. He led the NFL in tackles with 164, adding three sacks and a forced fumble. Coverage issues, however, along with a hefty four-year, $58 MM extension signed in 2020 made him a hard player to acquire at the trade deadline. That deal was restructured in March leaving him with a base salary of only $900,000 for this season.
The Titans could easily afford that figure for now, with just over $3.7 MM in cap space before the move. Cunningham’s cap number jumps into eight figures starting in 2022 and continuing through to 2024, and includes $500,000 per game roster bonuses throughout. For now at least, the Titans could use his services. They have been without Rashaan Evans since Week 7, and Jayon Brown has missed five games throughout the campaign.
The Titans could have Cunningham as early as this Sunday’s game when they host the Jaguars.
I’m shocked he got past Pittsburgh. Wonder if it’s a cap space concern, not sure of their remaining space or his remain amounts owed
The other post said less than 300k
On his salary the rest of the year
Steelers have $10 million in cap space!
Doesn’t add up for me… willing to trade draft capital for Schobert but not willing to take a gamble on ZC for a mere $300k
Earlier articles suggest that he may have had disciplinary issues with Texans. Steelers don’t need distractions…or another Antonio Brown
None of their “disciplinary issues” or team suspensions are remotely close to those of A. B. They have lost control of the locker room and suspended players to try and set an example.
Just look forward to when Baby Huey sells the team.
Yes Baby Huey Cal McNair is the real problem in Houston. He inherited very little of his father’s business acumen .
Don’t understand why a few teams passed, but nice pickup by Titans.
Don’t ask coach Vrabel though to talk about him..
Last place team dumps him; 1st place team claims him. Hmmm…