One of the additions the Tennessee Titans made since putting together their initial 53-man roster was cornerback Kindle Vildor, a 2020 fifth-round pick of the Chicago Bears who was claimed off waivers on Wednesday.
Vildor, who brings versatility with his ability to play inside and out — he’s played mostly outside corner during his career, though — said he knew the Titans were interested before he was claimed.
Buy Titans TicketsAnd, the interest was apparently mutual.
“When I was waived, my agent was telling me that Tennessee was heavy on me,” Vildor said, per Sam Phalen of AtoZ Sports. “He told me that they put in a claim for me so we were just hoping that nobody else was able to grab me.”
When asked about what he brings to the table, Vildor explained in his answer that “I take pride in my technique,” which is something head coach Mike Vrabel will surely love to hear.
“I feel like I’m a very typical sound corner, I take pride in my technique,” he said. “Playmaker able to make plays on the ball and everything like that. So, whenever the time comes I’m just ready to showcase my talents, sharpen up my tools in practice and learn the defense so I can feel comfortable out there.”
Vildor isn’t the only former Bears player to join the team this week. The Titans also added edge rusher Trevis Gipson via free agency.
The 25-year-old corner described his former Bears and now-current Titans teammate as “dominant” while also mentioning how Gipson thrived in 2021 in a similar scheme he’ll be playing in upon arriving in Tennessee.
“I feel like he’s a dominant D-end,” Vildor said of Gipson. “He had seven sacks when we had Khalil Mack out (in 2021) and this is a similar defense, so I know he’s ready to come in a similar defense and thrive and make plays.”
New #Titans CB Kindle Vildor excited for his new opportunity: pic.twitter.com/BF5qnRU5eY
— Sam Phalen (@Sam_Phalen) August 31, 2023
It’s been well-documented that Gipson saw a drop off in sack production in 2022, but that also coincided with the Bears’ switch to a 4-3 defense under new head coach Matt Eberflus. It’s also worth noting that Gipson faced among the highest double-team rates that season.
In Tennessee, both Vildor and Gipson will be joining a defense with a ton of talent surrounding them (especially in the front seven), which should help both thrive in their respective roles during the 2023 campaign.
