Titans Trade Targets: Top Wide Receivers Titans Could Acquire
NASHVILLE — The Tennessee Titans seemed uninterested in the wide receivers in the 2023 NFL draft and with that comes the job of finding some sort of option at the position in a non-traditional method. The Titans missed the major window of free agency in March and didn't take a receiver in the draft until the last round, so now they will look to players who may be cut by their current team or trades to improve the receiving room.
The first thing that comes to mind when thinking trade though is, how can the Titans afford it. The Titans don't have their third, fifth or sixth-round picks in 2024 due to previous trades. That leaves them with a first, second, fourth and two sevenths. The answer to that questions is one some fans may not like.
Trading your own players is the answer. Players like Ryan Tannehill, Derrick Henry or Kevin Byard. Names we have heard in the rumor mill all offseason. If you can recoup some of those picks with one of these vets, then you may be able to use some of that additional capital to acquire a new wide receiver.
Earlier on the site, we discussed some potentials cut candidates to watch, but now let's dive into some trade targets. These are player who would make a real difference for the Titans. They may not be publicly available, but the Titans should at least be making a call to see. Also, DeAndre Hopkins has been discussed enough.
Courtland Sutton or Jerry Jeudy, Denver Broncos
Word on the street is, the Broncos want a first for Jeudy and a second for Sutton. A high price to pay that probably could be knocked down a bit. Sutton, 27 years old, is an older player with more injury history than Jeudy, but Sutton has his advantages too. Sutton is a bigger, more physical receiver which fits the Titans typical want. Also, Sutton has three years, including 2023, left on a deal that only sees him make near $13 million per season. Cheaper trade, longer team control and a moderate contract all line up.
Jeudy is definitely the higher upside player. He's only 24 years old and has more game-breaking talent than Sutton. Jeudy is a smooth route runner and a speed demon. He would be an ideal pairing with Treylon Burks and would be a fit for the now and the future. Jeudy is only set to make $2 million on the cap this season, but next year he will play on his fifth-year option for $12 million and likely want a new big-money contract. Would the Titans pay it?
Brandon Aiyuk, San Francisco 49ers
Aiyuk is one year from playing on his fifth-year option and wants a new contract. The 49ers may not be able to afford it. Ran Carthon used to work in the building with 49ers general manager John Lynch so maybe Carthon can persuade him to let go of Aiyuk for a little less than another team would pay.
Even at full price, Aiyuk is only 25 years old and is immensely talented. The Titans will have nearly $100 million in salary cap space in 2024 so Aiyuk's new deal would be easily affordable.
Tyler Boyd, Cincinnati Bengals
This one is a bit off the beaten path, but there is logic involved. First, the Bengals are about to give a huge deal to Joe Burrow, need to pay wide receivers Tee Higgins and Ja'Marr Chase in no time while also giving a big contract to Orlando Brown in free agency.
There will be financial ramifications somewhere. The Bengals already appear to be preparing for them when they draft wide receiver Charlie Jones earlier this offseason. Jones. Jones could potentially take the slot role in the offense right away and make Boyd expendable. Boyd is set to make $10 million on the cap this year and it is the last year of his contract.
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