The Tennessee Titans claimed inside linebacker Zach Cunningham off waivers from the Houston Texans on Thursday. Cunningham, 27, was released by the Texans (2-10) on Wednesday after being late to and missing meetings this season.

Cunningham, who played at Vanderbilt in Nashville, has played for coach Mike Vrabel when Vrabel was Texans linebackers coach and later defensive coordinator. Titans defensive coordinator Shane Bowen was also on the Texans staff before joining the Tennessee. Cunningham signed a four-year extension worth $58 million with the Texans that runs through 2024. By claiming the contract, the Titans are responsible for $275,000 in base salary this year. Beginning next season, there is a $10 million base that is guaranteed against injury in the contract. Cunningham is set to make $11 million in base salary in 2023 and $12.5 million in 2024.

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