Tennessee Titans coach Mike Vrabel stormed out of his Friday press conference 90 seconds in after questions about inside linebacker Zach Cunningham, whom the Titans claimed off waivers Thursday.
Initially asked about Cunningham, Vrabel said he was excited to add him to the Titans, but added that he’ll talk more about him next week, when he’ll begin practicing with Tennessee. Vrabel confirmed that the linebacker won’t play for the Titans (8-4) against the Jaguars (2-10) Sunday at Nissan Stadium (1 p.m. ET, CBS).
After a second question about Cunningham, in regards to when exactly he’ll start practicing, Vrabel reiterated that he’ll talk about him next week. Then a third question about the linebacker, inquiring about his skillset, set Vrabel off.
“This is ridiculous,” said Vrabel, as he walked off. “This is so stupid. It’s a waste of my time, man.”
Cunningham, 27, is seen as a major boost for the Titans’ defense, shoring up an injury-depleted inside linebacker room.
The Texans on Wednesday waived Cunningham, who starred at Vanderbilt, after disciplinary issues with the franchise. He was suspended for Week 13 for being late to a scheduled COVID-19 test. He was also benched for the first quarter of Week 2 after recurring tardiness.
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Cunningham in 2020 led the NFL in solo tackles (106) and combined tackles (164). A 2017 second-round pick, Cunningham has 67 tackles (including four for loss), a quarterback hit, three passes defended and a forced fumble in 10 games this season.
Ben Arthur covers the Tennessee Titans for The USA TODAY Network. Contact him at [email protected] and follow him on Twitter at @benyarthur.
