GREEN BAY, WI - NOVEMBER 17: Nick Westbrook-Ikhine #15 of the Tennessee Titans walks off of the field against the Green Bay Packers at Lambeau on November 17, 2022 in Green Bay, Wisconsin. (Photo by Cooper Neill/Getty Images)
Arguments for and against retaining wide receiver Nick Westbrook-Ikhine as a free agent for the Titans.
NASHVILLE — Nick Westbrook-Ikhine, a wide receiver among the 24 pending free agents for the Tennessee Titans, struggled to complement DeAndre Hopkins in the 2023 receiving corps. Entering his fourth season with the team, he recorded 28 catches, 370 yards, and three touchdowns. Negotiations with NFL free agents can commence on March 11, with official signings allowed on March 13, marking the beginning of the league calendar year. Decisions regarding roster reconstruction lie with Titans general manager Ran Carthon and newly appointed coach Brian Callahan. AllTitans.com has been presenting arguments both for and against re-signing some of the 24 Titans whose contracts are expiring. Among those discussed so far are: 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 now focus on Nick Westbrook-Ikhine. Here are some career highlights: In 2021, he achieved career highs in catches (38), receiving yards (476), and touchdowns (four). In 2022, he started a career-high 13 games, recording 25 receptions for 397 yards and three touchdowns. Initially making the roster as an undrafted rookie.
NO. LET HIM GO: Westbrook-Ikhine earned a Pro Football Focus grade of 59.4 last season, ranking 92nd out of 128 eligible NFL wide receivers. In the previous season, he ranked 94th out of 113. His statistics do not support his retention, as he has consistently hovered around 25 catches, three touchdowns, and 350 yards over the past three seasons.
YES. KEEP HIM: The Titans’ new wide receiver coach, Tyke Tolbert, is renowned for improving receivers’ performance. Additionally, Westbrook-Ikhine possesses desirable physical attributes at 6 feet 2 inches and 215 pounds, coupled with speed. He demonstrates proficiency in route-running and blocking. While he may not fit the mold of a WR1 or WR2, he offers depth and contributes on special teams. Westbrook-Ikhine’s projected contract stands at $2.75 million per year for one season, making it an affordable option for the Titans to explore his potential in Callahan’s offensive scheme.
