The Tennessee Titans will enter the offseason searching for help at wide receiver. Right now, rookie fourth-round picks Chimere Dike and Elic Ayomanor are serving as the offense's go-to options in the passing game. Veteran wideout Calvin Ridley is expected back soon from a hamstring injury, possibly this weekend against the Houston Texans.
Ridley projects as a potential offseason cap casualty, however. While Dike and Ayomanor have impressed as rookies, the Titans will need to fill out their receiving corps with proven production and experience. General manager Mike Borgonzi must be willing to pay a premium to make a free-agent addition.
The list of potential free agent wide receivers is thin and lacks depth. Arguably the most realistic target for the Titans could be Indianapolis Colts receiver Alec Pierce, who is in the midst of a career-best season. A recent prediction from ESPN claims Pierce could land a massive contract, however.
ESPN predicts potential Titans offseason target WR Alec Pierce to land a huge contract in free agency
ESPN recently released their way-too-early top-25 rankings and predictions for free agency. Pierce clocks in at No. 7 overall as the second-best receiver behind George Pickens, who probably won't interest this Titans regime due to his off-field temperament. Pierce could command a multi-year contract in the neighborhood of $20 million per season.
"Teams I've talked to anticipate Pierce will hit a big number in free agency," Jeremy Fowler wrote. "They think the $20 million per year threshold isn't out of the question for him. Pierce is poised for his first 1,000-yard season and has the size/speed combination teams covet."
Pierce has recorded 28 receptions for 585 yards and one touchdown this season. His explosive 20.9 yards per catch leads all NFL wide receivers. Pierce is a big-bodied vertical field stretcher with the straight-line speed needed to generate explosive plays.
The Titans must prioritize Cam Ward's development this offseason. A big part of that is surrounding him with a proven supporting cast. Pierce could be a target in free agency, but his potential asking price may not fit Borgonzi's blueprint.