Titans Free Agents: Arguments for, against Re-Signing Wide Receiver Nick Westbrook-Ikhine
NASHVILLE — Wide receiver Nick Westbrook-Ikhine, one of 24 pending Tennessee Titans free agents, was part of a 2023 receivers group that failed to complement DeAndre Hopkins.
In his fourth season with the team, he posted 28 receptions, 370 yards, and three touchdowns.
NFL teams can begin negotiating with free agents on March 11 and can officially sign them on March 13, which marks the start of the league calendar year.
Titans general manager Ran Carthon and new coach Brian Callahan must decide who will move forward with the rebuilding of the roster.
AllTitans.com has been presenting the arguments for and against re-signing some of the 24 Titans with expiring contracts. So far:
- Center Aaron Brewer;
- Cornerback Kristian Fulton;
- Linebacker Azeez Al-Shaair;
- Edge rusher Denico Autry;
- Cornerback Sean Murphy-Bunting;
- and running back Derrick Henry.
Let's discuss Nick Westbrook-Ikhine. First, here are some career highlights, such as they are:
- In 2021, career highs in catches (38), receiving yards (476), and touchdowns (four).
- A career-high 13 starts in 2022, with 25 receptions for 397 yards and three touchdowns.
- He originally made the roster as an undrafted rookie.
No. Let him go
Westbrook-Ikhine had a 59.4 Pro Football Focus grade last season — 92nd out of 128 eligible NFL wide receivers. The previous season, he ranked 94th of 113.
The stats aren't in Westbrook-Ikhine's favor, as he's consistently around 25 catches, three touchdowns, and 350 yards for each of the past three seasons.
Yes. Keep him
New Titans wide receiver coach Tyke Tolbert has an extensive reputation for making receivers better. Also, you can't teach 6 feet 2 and 215 pounds with speed.
Westbrook-Ikhine is a sound route-runner and good as a blocker. While it's hard to imagine him as a WR1 or WR2, he does provide depth and can play on special teams.
Westbrook-Ikhine's projected contract is $2.75 million per year for one season — affordable if the Titans want to to see if the former Hoosier can shine in Callahan's offense.
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