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Tennessee Titans: Has Delanie Walker played his last NFL game?

By Benjamin Mott

BALTIMORE, MD - NOVEMBER 09: Tight end Delanie Walker #82 of the Tennessee Titans takes the field to warm up before a game against the Baltimore Ravens at M&T Bank Stadium on November 9, 2014 in Baltimore, Maryland. (Photo by Patrick Smith/Getty Images)
BALTIMORE, MD - NOVEMBER 09: Tight end Delanie Walker #82 of the Tennessee Titans takes the field to warm up before a game against the Baltimore Ravens at M&T Bank Stadium on November 9, 2014 in Baltimore, Maryland. (Photo by Patrick Smith/Getty Images) /
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Delanie Walker was placed on injured reserve on Wednesday, and there are questions as to whether or not he will play another down in the NFL, let alone for the Tennessee Titans.

Delanie Walker‘s season came to an abrupt end on Wednesday, as the Tennessee Titans placed him on IR due to a re-occurring issue with his ankle that cost him almost the entire 2018 season.

The three-time Pro Bowler was last active in the Week 7 win over the Chargers, which is looking like it could be the final game he was active for. He did not start, and played on just five snaps.

He would then miss the next four contests before finally being shut down this week.

Walker finishes the season with 215 yards and two touchdowns on 21 receptions, and just never really looked how he did prior to the ankle injury, aside from his Week 1 performance against the Cleveland Browns, a game in which he caught both of his touchdown passes this season.

In an article posted a few weeks ago, I questioned whether or not Walker would be a member of the Titans next season with his injury issues mixed with his age, 35, and the success of younger tight ends Jonnu Smith and Anthony Firkser.

Now, it’s a fair question whether or not Walker will play in the NFL at all next season, let alone with the Titans. He turns 36 next August, and having lingering issues with his ankle is not an ideal situation for someone at his age.

Walker does have one more year on his current contract, but the Titans could choose to release or trade him in the offseason, which would save them $6.7 million in cap space while only accruing $1.7 million in dead cap room.

With so many younger tight ends available in free agency, such as Eric Ebron, Vance McDonald, Hunter Henry, and Tyler Eifert, it is highly unlikely Walker will be able to get guaranteed money similar to what the Titans signed him for.

Next. Mike Vrabels talks decision to put Delanie Walker on IR. dark

If this is indeed the end of Walker’s NFL career, or even just the end of his time with the Titans, he will be remembered for helping turn around what was once considered one of the laughing stocks of the league.

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