The Tennessee Titans could look to add to their receiving corps. this offseason by bringing in a burner who can stretch the field.
While adding one in the 2020 NFL Draft is a possibility and probably the cheapest way to do so, the Titans could also look to the free-agent market for a player who is a bit more likely to make an immediate impact.
After all, the Titans can’t expect every rookie wide receiver to blow up as quickly as A.J. Brown did in 2019.
On top of adding a burner, the Titans need to start planning for life after Corey Davis, who is unlikely to have his fifth-year option picked up and could be playing elsewhere in 2021.
But for now let’s just focus on speedy wide receivers who are unrestricted free agents and can be big-play specialists for Tennessee in 2020. We’ll give a few higher-end options, as well as a few that won’t cost that much.
In reality, none of the following players are going to break the bank, which is what the Titans should be looking for if they do sign a wide receiver because it isn’t a dire need to address this offseason.
Taylor Gabriel
After the Chicago Bears cut Taylor Gabriel last month, the wide receiver now hits the open market this offseason.
Gabriel has become well-known for his speed and big-play ability over the years. He also has the versatility to be lined up all over the field, which adds to his value.
The 29-year-old played in just nine games last season after battling a pair of concussions, which could lead to him being a relatively cheap add in free agency.
His best season came in 2018 when he posted career-highs in receptions (67) and yards (688). Gabriel has posted double-digit yards per reception totals in five of his six years in the league.
Breshad Perriman
Breshad Perriman has had a rough go of it since being drafted with the No. 26 overall pick in the 2015 NFL Draft by the Baltimore Ravens thanks to injuries and inconsistency.
However, the 26-year-old speedster might have finally hit his stride with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers late in the 2019 season, and as a result he could command the biggest payday of any player on this list.
Perriman posted career-highs in receptions (69) and yards (645), and he also finished the season strong, recording three 100-yard games in his final three contests.
Perriman has the speed to be the burner the Titans need, but he also has the size to be a quality outside receiver for Tennessee in 2021 should Corey Davis no longer be with the team.
Phillip Dorsett
Perhaps a reunion in Nashville will be in order if the Titans do indeed sign Tom Brady and then bring Phillip Dorsett in as a free agent. Of course, even if the Titans don’t sign Brady, Dorsett will still be an option.
Dorsett spent 2019 with the Patriots and posted the second-best receiving yard total of his career (397) to go along with and a career-high five touchdowns. He also averaged 13.7 yards per reception, but has averaged as many as 16 yards or more twice during his career.
Unlike the last time he hit free agency, Dorsett has explained he’s approaching this time around with more of an open mind, as he told ESPN’s Mike Reiss recently.
That open mind could lead him to the Titans if there’s mutual interest.
Marcus Johnson
One of the Titans’ options on the open market this offseason is a player they got a good look at last season when playing against the Indianapolis Colts in Marcus Johnson.
With the Colts reportedly not planning on a tender for Johnson, he’s going to become an unrestricted free agent and is an intriguing player who should come at a very reasonable price.
The Texas product stepped up for the Colts near the end of the 2019 season when the team was dealing with injuries, so it is a bit surprising to see they may not bring him back.
Johnson totaled four catches for 55 yards against Tennessee in Week 13, and he flashed his big-play ability throughout the season after averaging 16.3 yards per reception.
