Titans finally make a move at wide receiver in free agency - land 4.39 speedster as Nick Westbrook-Ikhine replacement

The Tennessee Titans have a massive need at wide receiver. After staying quiet at the position through the first two completed days of free agency, general manager Mike Borgonzi finally made an acquisition at the position. The Titans are finalizing a one-year contract with veteran receiver Van Jefferson, according to a report by Jordan Schultz. It's a value contract worth up to $2.5 million.

Titans sign WR Van Jefferson to one-year contract

Jefferson played for the Pittsburgh Steelers this past season. The former Florida Gators standout recorded 24 receptions for 276 receiving yards and two touchdowns. Jefferson is currently slated to start opposite Calvin Ridley in a Titans offense that lacks playmakers and depth at wide receiver.

The Titans lost Nick Westbrook-Ikhine to free agency earlier this week. Their 2024 touchdown leader signed a value contract with the Miami Dolphins worth less than $3.5 million per season. In response, Borgonzi has now signed Jefferson to play a similar role in Brian Callahan's offense this coming season.

Jefferson initially entered the league as a second-round selection of the Los Angeles Rams during the 2020 NFL Draft. As a sophomore, Jefferson took a huge developmental step forward, recording 50 receptions on 89 targets for 802 yards and six touchdowns. Unfortunately, he never managed to replicate that production again.

Jefferson suffered an injury as a third-year player in 2022. He was limited to 11 regular-season appearances and 24 catches for 369 yards. The Rams would give up on his development the following campaign, trading him to the Atlanta Falcons midway through 2023. Jefferson has since been a journeyman, joining the Steelers after one uneventful campaign in Atlanta.

Jefferson's arrival in Nashville doesn't change Tennessee's offseason need at receiver. He'll offer Callahan more reliability than Treylon Burks and Jha'Quan Jackson do, but he's best utilized as a No. 4 receiver in a successful offense. The Titans' depth chart currently has Jefferson masquerading as a WR2 instead.

Barring a needle-moving acquisition at receiver, which qualifies as unlikely at this point, the Titans will enter the 2025 NFL Draft with a massive need to address. Borgonzi and Chad Brinker will be tasked with drafting a receiver capable of being an immediate contributor. Jefferson adds a little depth and veteran experience to a new-look wideout room, but the overall state of the position doesn't change.

Whoever the next starting quarterback is will need more pass-catching threats.