Barrett Ruud Signs with the Tennessee Titans

Former Tampa Bay linebacker Barrett Ruud signed with the Tennessee Titans.

In six years with Tampa Bay Ruud accumulated 585 tackles, five sacks and six interceptions. Last year he had 118 tackles, two sacks and one interception. 

This is a move that the Titans hope will markedly improve a poor linebacker group that really dragged down the defense last year.

The consequence of this move is that free agent linebacker Stephen Tulloch will probably move on from the Titans and sign elsewhere.

Honestly, in my opinion, Ruud is an upgrade over Tulloch. Both are great tacklers and run stoppers, but Tulloch is a poor pass defender while Ruud is at least adequate in the area. 

With Tulloch gone, Ruud in and rookie from UCLA Akeem Ayers looking at a starting role, the Titans' linebacking corps is starting to look almost respectable.

Ruud will likely be the starter with Ayers on one side and veteran Will Witherspoon on the other. If they can improve on last years awful performance than the Titans could have something going on defense.

Ruud is the second biggest splash the Titans have made in free agency next to Matt Hasselbeck. They have also signed Shaun Smith and are looking at tight end Daniel Graham.