The Tennessee Titans are projected to have 20 players reach unrestricted free agency in March. Luckily for the Titans, most of them are considered role players or back-end-of-roster types. The most notable player on the list is wide receiver Nick Westbrook-Ikhine.
Westbrook-Ikhine emerged in a major way down the second half stretch of Tennessee’s 2024 campaign. The former undrafted free agent concluded the season with 32 receptions for 497 yards and nine touchdowns. The nine end-zone visits are tied for third all-time in single-season Titans era history, highlighted by eight receiving TDs in an eight-game stretch.
Westbrook-Ikhine is now due a sizable raise in annual salary. Will the touchdown merchant test free agency? If so, the Titans may grow uncomfortable with his asking price. Decision makers Chad Brinker and Mike Borgonzi allegedly don't plan on being big spenders in free agency. In case Westbrook-Ikhine departs however, we've identified three veteran pass catchers they may be willing to pursue.
Tee Higgins
Signing Tee Higgins wouldn't match Tennessee's supposed new direction of developing through the draft, but Higgins is probably one of two high-priced free agents (with the other being Trey Smith) who may tempt the Titans to stray from their vision. He previously played for Brian Callahan in Cincinnati for four seasons (2020-23), recording back-to-back 1,000 yard seasons in 2021 and 2022 with Callahan as his offensive coordinator. The Titans love having a big-bodied "X" receiver on the boundary. He's also a local native of Oak Ridge, Tennessee.
Elijah Moore
The aging Tyler Boyd almost certainly won't return to the Titans in 2025. He's an aging asset who's remaining timeline doesn't align with Tennessee's impending rebuild. With that said, Callahan's offense still needs a slot receiver to operate the 11 personnel offense comfortably. Rondale Moore recorded 61 receptions for 538 yards this past campaign. At just 24 years old, Moore still possesses enough developmental upside to make a multi-year impact on the Titans.
Darius Slayton
If the Titans fail to re-sign Westbrook-Ikhine, they may prefer a bigger-bodied replacement capable of playing outside receiver. Darius Slayton would certainly fit that mold. Slayton is an underrated player, having recorded 500-plus receiving yards in three consecutive seasons, and in five of his six campaigns. At 28 years old, the former Auburn standout possesses a few good years left in the tank. He'd also be affordable from a salary perspective while providing much-needed veteran leadership.