Carlos Watkins

PRO: The Titans signed Carlos Watkins in the 2025 offseason to add depth to the defensive line room. The 6-foot-3-inch, 305-pounder brings a wealth of experience and a unique ability to rush the quarterback. The Clemson product began his career with the Houston Texans where he spent his first four seasons (2017-20). He has also spent time with the Dallas Cowboys (2021-22, 2024), Arizona Cardinals (2023), Los Angeles Rams (2024) and Washington Commanders (2024).

CAREER HIGHLIGHTS:
• During the 2021 season, Watkins started a career-high 14 games and tallied a career-best 32 tackles. Added an interception returned for a touchdown.
• As a senior at Clemson, Watkins set the school record for most sacks in a season (10.5) by a defensive tackle in route to winning the National Championship.

TITANS TIDBITS:
• Watkins hosts an annual football camp at his alma mater Chase High School each offseason.
• During his sophomore year of college, Watkins was involved in a serious car accident that claimed the life of his best friend. The accident caused him to miss the rest of the season as he recovered from hematomas that had developed in his legs. Watkins has said the accident changed his outlook on life, showing him to never take a day for granted.

CAREER TRANSACTIONS:
• The Mooresboro, N.C., native was originally selected by the Houston Texans in the fourth round (142nd overall) of the 2017 NFL Draft.
• Signed by the Dallas Cowboys as an unrestricted free agent on March 22, 2021.
• Released by the Cowboys on Aug. 30, 2022 and signed to the team's practice squad one day later.
• Activated from the Cowboys practice squad to the active roster standard elevation on Oct. 8, 2022.
• Signed from the Cowboys practice squad to the team's active roster on Oct. 22, 2022.
• Signed by the Arizona Cardinals as an unrestricted free agent on April 4, 2023.
• Signed by the L.A. Rams as an unrestricted free agent on Aug. 14, 2024.
• Released by the Rams on Aug. 25, 2024.
• Signed by the Washington Commanders to the team's practice squad on Aug. 28, 2024.
• Activated from the Commanders practice squad to the active roster standard elevation on Sept. 14, 2024.
• Signed by the Cowboys to the team's active roster off of the Commanders' practice squad on Set. 18, 2024.
• Signed by the Titans as an unrestricted free agent on May 13, 2025.

COLLEGE:
• In five seasons at Clemson (2012-16), Watkins tallied 191 tackles, 26 tackles for losses and 14.0 sacks in 53 games (30 starts). He was an All-American, a two-time All-ACC selection, and a permanent team captain.
• As a senior (2016), started all 15 games and was named a team captain. Totaled 82 tackles, 13.5 tackles for loss and 10.5 sacks. His sack total was the highest by a Clemson defensive tackle in history. Named second-team All-American and first-team All-ACC. Shared Tiger Pride Defensive Team MVP honors.
• As a junior (2015), appeared in 15 games with 14 starts and recorded 69 tackles, eight tackles for loss, 3.5 sacks, eight quarterback pressures and an interception returned for a touchdown. Was named first-team All-ACC by the media and second-team All-ACC team by the league's coaches.
• As a redshirt sophomore (2014), played in 11 games and had 13 tackles, two tackles for loss and four quarterback pressures.
• As a sophomore (2013), appeared in three games and totaled 11 tackles. Missed the remainder of the season following a car accident and received a redshirt.
• As a freshman (2012), played in nine games and notched 16 tackles, one tackle for loss and three quarterback pressures.
• Earned a bachelor's degree in sociology from Clemson University in Dec. 2016.

PERSONAL:
• Attended Chase (Forest City, N.C.) High School. Ranked as the seventh defensive lineman in the nation by 247Sports.
• As a senior (2015), had 15 sacks, one interception and five forced fumbles.
• As a junior (2014), totaled 50 tackles, 29 tackles for loss and 14 sacks.
• Also played basketball and averaged over 21 points and 10 rebounds per game as a junior.
• Follow Watkins on X at @carloswatkins94 and on Instagram at @carlos_watkins94
• Born Carlos Watkins on Dec. 5, 1993 in Mooresboro, N.C.