Tennessee Titans sign former Alabama football star

The Tennessee Titans have signed former Alabama defensive end Da’Shawn Hand, per NFL reporter Aaron Wilson. Hand played for the Crimson Tide from 2014-17, winning two national titles and three SEC championships.

The Detroit Lions selected him in the fourth round of the 2018 NFL draft, but his career there was riddled with injuries. He began the 2021 season on injured reserve before making his debut on Halloween against the Eagles, recording one pass defended. Hand appeared again versus the Steelers on Nov. 14 before suffering a groin injury the following week. He was placed on injured reserve for the fifth time in his four-year career. The team cut him on Nov. 30 after reaching an injury settlement.

The defensive end joined the Titans practice squad on Jan. 5 before the their final regular season game. They apparently liked what they saw from Hand, opting to bring him back after his contract expired on Jan. 22.

Hand was a highly touted recruit in 2014 coming out of Woodbridge (VA) High School. He ranked as the No. 1 prospect regardless of position according to On3 Consensus, a complete and equally weighted industry-generated average that utilizes all four major recruiting media companies. This resulted in offers from college football powers such as Ohio State, Notre Dame and, of course, Alabama.

He totaled an impressive 71 tackles (14.5 for loss), nine sacks and one forced fumble in his Crimson Tide career. Hand started eight games during his rookie season with the Lions, finishing with 27 tackles (four for loss) and three sacks. He missed the final three games of that year after suffering a knee injury.

Tennessee finished the 2021 NFL season with a 12-5 record to earn the number one seed in the AFC playoffs. After sitting out the wildcard round, the Titans lose to eventual Super Bowl runner-up Cincinnati in the division round on a last-second field goal.

Hopefully the former Alabama star can stay healthy next season with the Tennessee Titans and find a way to contribute.