NASHVILLE – Veteran defensive lineman DeMarcus Walker admitted he was getting a little antsy.
In early May, Walker found himself still looking for his next team.
His landing spot eventually came in Tennessee, with the Titans.
"My patience was definitely tested," Walker said with a smile after a recent OTA. "But I just kept working. For the last four or five years I've been working my tail off every year, putting in more details and more time and more sacrifices. This time, even though it took a little more time than normal, when you put in the work and are doing the small things, (you) don't worry about everything else."
A second-round draft pick of the Broncos in 2017 who played in 13 games with the Texans in 2021, Walker visited the Colts earlier this offseason before making a visit to the Titans.
Walker gave credit to Titans General Manager Jon Robinson for closing the deal in Tennessee. He officially signed with the Titans on May 16 and has been taking part in the team's offseason work since.
"It was definitely a conversation, and J. Rob reached out to me himself and we had a talk on the phone," said Walker, who recorded 31 tackles, four tackles for loss, two sacks, and seven quarterback hits in 2021. "Through prayer and through faith, it landed me here."
Coach Mike Vrabel said the Titans are happy to have Walker, a 6-foot-4, 280-pounder who played in college at Florida State.
"I think (his potential) role is he's shown versatility throughout his career," Vrabel said. "I liked him all the way back to Florida State when I was in Houston. (We're) trying to figure out where he may fit, whether that be standing up – he's played multiple positions across the front on the edge, inside. He plays with great effort, which I appreciated.
"He wanted to be here, and it's been really good so far."
Walker played in 36 games with five starts during his four seasons in Denver, and he recorded 51 tackles, 10.5 sacks, a forced fumble and a fumble recovery.
In his NFL career, Walker has played in 49 career games and he's totaled 82 tackles, 12.5 sacks, and two forced fumbles.
In Tennessee, Walker is part of a defensive line group that includes Jeffery Simmons, Denico Autry, Teair Tart, Naquan Jones, Larrell Murchison, Da'Shawn Hand, Kevin Strong, Haskell Garrett, Sam Okuayinonu and Jayden Peevy.
Walker likes the fit, and the culture, in Tennessee.
"Coach, he makes sure everyone knows everybody's name, you get to know the guy beside you, the person giving you water," he said. "It is just being a professional, and having that, you see why their having success around here. Keep chopping every day to the ultimate goal.
"Whatever I can do to help, and to make the team win. They took a big step (last year), and my goal is to help them take another step. … I just have to be myself, bringing my chemistry and charisma to the team and embracing the team and play where coach Vrabel wants me to play."
