The Tennessee Titans entered the offseason needing veteran wide receivers to pair with Calvin Ridley. Despite that, new general manager Mike Borgonzi was fairly inactive at the position in free agency. The lone move that could qualify as notable was the addition of experienced wideout Van Jefferson.
Despite recording just 24 receptions for 276 yards and two touchdowns with the Pittsburgh Steelers last season, Jefferson may have initially believed a starting gig in Tennessee would be easy to come by. His main competitor for the "X" receiver boundary spot appeared to be first-round bust Treylon Burks, who inevitably had his fifth-year option declined last week.
Since signing his contract, Jefferson has learned that reps may be significantly more difficult to capture in Tennessee than first believed.
The Titans have since signed veteran receiver Tyler Lockett, who will immediately become an experienced go-to target for franchise quarterback Cam Ward. Borgonzi followed that up by adding three intriguing receivers during the 2025 NFL Draft process.
Titans draft picks could reduce Van Jefferson's influence in 2025
The Titans started Day Three of the draft by selecting former Florida Gators wideout Chimere Dike at No. 103. Speaking with the media last week, head coach Brian Callahan called Dike a versatile receiver capable of playing all three receiver spots. He could push Jefferson for reps in training camp. He'll add a layer of playmaking speed Callahan's offense sorely lacked last year, having run a 4.34 at the NFL Combine after averaging 18.6 yards per catch in 2024.
Borgonzi wasn't done there. After selecting tight end Gunnar Helm with his second of two scheduled fourth-round picks, Tennessee's GM traded back into the fourth round for ex Stanford wide receiver Elic Ayomanor. With Ridley being more of a "Z" receiver and Lockett likely commanding the slot, it's Ayomanor who may pose the biggest threat to Jefferson's supposed spot as the "X" receiver.
After the draft, Borgonzi also signed the top available wide receiver in undrafted free agency, Miami's Xavier Restrepo, who's chemistry with Ward increases his chances to make the roster. All the happenings at receiver considerably altered the make-up of the position room. Ayomanor is a big-bodied boundary playmaker. Jefferson can't match Dike's speed .
This leaves Jefferson in a tricky spot. He's versatile enough to play multiple positions, but Ridley and Lockett should possess a hold as the near-every down designated slot and flanker wideouts in Callahan's offense. That means Jefferson should spend more time outside, where he may now be potentially dealing with Dike's and Ayomanor's upside.
This is the new reality facing Jefferson, and that's fine.
Jefferson hasn't produced a quality campaign since his sophomore year in 2021. Since then, the former Florida standout has dealt with injuries and inconsistencies. A lesser role than first imagined keeps him fresh, which should allow him to be productive when Ward looks his way. Jefferson's experience and leadership will be valuable additions to the locker room regardless of game-day role.
If Ayomanor and/or Dike take longer to adjust, Jefferson may prove dependable enough to fill the void. At the very least, this speaks to the improved depth at a perceived position of weakness. Having multiple options at pass catcher is vital to Ward's development.
Jefferson will have a part to play, even if it's in a lesser role than originally anticipated.