The Tennessee Titans will enter training camp looking for solutions to emerge at wide receiver opposite Calvin Ridley. The rookie trio of Chimere Dike, Elic Ayomanor, and Xavier Restrepo provide plenty of hope for a stable future at the position, but relying on so many inexperienced talents right away rarely proves legitimate. No, the Titans will need contributions from veterans as well.
General manager Mike Borgonzi signed veterans Van Jefferson and Tyler Lockett in free agency. The aging Lockett is expected to be a steady presence for rookie quarterback Cam Ward in the slot. If there's an early favorite to start alongside Ridley in base personnel though, it's Jefferson.
The Titans need productive depth from experienced receivers if Ward is to be immediately effective. While Tennessee's first-year receivers take time acclimating, players like Jefferson should be asked to do some heavy lifting. It's worth noting there were signs of budding chemistry between Ward and Jefferson at mandatory minicamp.
Cam Ward with the pinpoint accuracy to Van Jefferson 👀 🎯 #Titans #TitanUp (🎥 @Titans on IG) pic.twitter.com/nLJQTTtb4z
— SharmSports (@SharmSports) June 11, 2025
Van Jefferson might be one the Titans' unsung heroes in 2025
Borgonzi inked Jefferson to a one-year contract worth a team-friendly $1.6 million. Jefferson once recorded 802 yards as a sophomore receiver in 2021. He's since battled a few injuries that derailed his career. In 2024, he failed to fully seize an opportunity with the Pittsburgh Steelers, recording just 24 catches for 276 yards and two scores. This may be his last opportunity to establish himself as a notable NFL’er.
Jefferson possesses good size at 6-foot-1 and 200 pounds to play the boundary in Brian Callahan's offense. He'll face competition for that spot at training camp from Ayomanor and first-round bust Treylon Burks. Jefferson doesn't project as a top target for the Titans, but he showed in OTAs and minicamp that he can be a reliable weapon. A thin depth chart helps.
Jefferson will stick on Tennessee's final 53-man roster with an opportunity to be a starting receiver. Titans fans should expect Jefferson to make a bigger-than-anticipated impact. Ward will look his way when searching for a reliable, proven weapon, especially early in the campaign while the rookies are getting up to speed.