The Tennessee Titans revamped their wide receiver position this offseason. General manager Mike Borgonzi selected Carnell Tate at No. 4 overall in the 2026 NFL Draft. He also signed veteran Wan'Dale Robinson to a $70 million contract over four years.
The intention was to surround franchise quarterback Cam Ward with a stronger supporting cast. Sophomores Chimere Dike and Elic Ayomanor are also expected to show growth at the position. The Titans even reworked Calvin Ridley's contract to keep him in the fold.
The depth of the wideout room is precisely why the Titans had no interest in re-signing veteran wideout Van Jefferson this offseason. Jefferson was a starter for the Titans last season. He signed with the Washington Commanders in free agency, but already appears to be on thin ice in his new environment.
Former Titans WR Van Jefferson on thin ice with Washington Commanders
Jefferson played a healthy 583 snaps for the Titans last season. That accounted for 55.21% of the team's total offensive snaps. Jefferson was the third-most snapped wideout on the roster, trailing just Ayomanor and Dike.
Despite all that opportunity, Jefferson was largely ineffective. The former Florida Gators standout recorded just 29 receptions for 350 receiving yards and one touchdown. Creating consistent separation was a recurring issue.
Jefferson ended up signing a one-year contract with the Commanders worth $1.4 million. The Commanders have star Terry McLaurin at receiver and also drafted Antonio Williams in the third round. Potentially adding further insult to injury for Jefferson, they are routinely being linked with acquiring Brandon Aiyuk from the San Francisco 49ers whenever their public breakup finalizes.
The Titans significantly improved at wideout this offseason. Being overly reliant on Jefferson to produce in 2025 proved to be a catastrophic mistake. Investing in Ward's playmaking weapons was vital this summer, and replacing Jefferson with an upgrade was a must.
Now Jefferson is facing an uphill battle to make the Commanders' 53-man roster. He's in a crowded position room that also features former Titans draft bust Treylon Burks. Jefferson will conclude OTAs on thin ice in Washington.
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