The Tennessee Titans entered the offseason needing multiple wide receivers. Thus far, they've made zero moves at the position through nearly two completed days in NFL free agency. On Tuesday, they made another shocking move by allowing wide receiver Nick Westbrook-Ikhine to sign elsewhere.
Westbrook-Ikhine's departure isn't overly shocking. He was arguably the team's most consistent receiver last year, scoring a team-high nine touchdowns. He was always expected to receive outside interest. What does qualify as shocking is Tennessee's disinterest in retaining him at the figure he ended up signing for.
Westbrook-Ikhine signed a two-year contract worth $6.5 million with the Miami Dolphins, according to multiple reports.
Titans lose Westbrook-Ikhine to Dolphins
Tennessee's alleged disinterest in retaining Westbrook-Ikhine at that number is stunning. Take a look around the market. Dyami Brown, who has never had a 400-yard season, signed for $10 million. Special teams player Ashton Dulin got an identical two-year contract. Dulin has never recorded more than 15 receptions in a season, let alone score nine touchdowns in a campaign.
The Titans are now left with Calvin Ridley at receiver and not much else. Veteran slot receiver Tyler Boyd is also a free agent and is not expected to return to Nashville in 2025. Brian Callahan's offense currently has first-round bust Treylon Burks in a starting role, and sophomore sixth-round pick Jha'Quan Jackson as the slot receiver. Undrafted free agent Bryce Oliver would also vye for playing time.
The Titans will add multiple receivers this offseason still, but the majority of quality options in free agency have already disappeared. Veterans like Keenan Allen, Amari Cooper, Stefon Diggs, and DeAndre Hopkins remain available. The rebuilding Titans should steer clear of those types.
Instead, the new regime may enter the 2025 NFL Draft with a need for two instant contributors at receiver. They're obviously not drafting one No. 1 overall, and targeting a wideout via a trade-back also feels unlikely. Instead, Borgonzi may feel pressured to target a receiver in the second round, before doubling down at the position with another selection later.
Westbrook-Ikhine wasn't the lone fan-favorite to depart the franchise on Tuesday. In a shocking twist, punter Ryan Stonehouse won't be retained, and has already been replaced by veteran Johnny Hekker. With Westbrook-Ikhine and Stonehouse no longer present, there's no denying that Borgonzi and this new regime are already putting their fingerprints all over this Titans roster.