Already dealing with the absence of one veteran wide receiver, the Titans will apparently be without a second one for good.
Veteran Tyler Lockett asked for and received his release from the Titans on Monday, per ESPN, which would allow him to sign with any other team after 3 p.m. CT on Wednesday.
The Titans had signed the 33-year-old Lockett to a one-year contract in April, a deal that was scheduled to pay him at least $4 million — and potentially up to $6 million — this season.
Tennessee hoped the 5-10, 182-pound Lockett, in his 11th year, would offer rookie quarterback Cam Ward another experienced pass-catching option. A third-round pick of Seattle in 2015, Lockett had totaled 661 catches for 8,594 yards and 61 touchdowns before signing with the Titans.
But Lockett had dipped to 49 catches for 600 yards and two touchdowns with the Seahawks in 2024.
Things never came together for Lockett in Tennessee, as he caught just 10 passes (on 21 targets) for 70 yards in seven games. His role was also declining, as Lockett played in at least 32 snaps in his first four contests, but no more than 20 in his last three games.
Meanwhile, rookie receiver Chimere Dike, a fourth-round pick, has seen his playing time increase. After playing fewer than 30 offensive snaps in each of his first four games, Dike has topped that total in each of the last three contests.
Dike posted his biggest numbers of the season in last Sunday’s loss to New England, catching four passes for 70 yards, a total that included his first NFL touchdown.
The Titans are currently without talented veteran Calvin Ridley, who missed the Patriots contest with a hamstring injury. In addition, Bryce Oliver has missed the last five games with a knee injury.
The only healthy receivers at present are Dike, fellow rookie Elic Ayomanor and Van Jefferson. But the Titans do have options on the practice squad in James Proche, Mason Kinsey and rookie Xavier Restrepo.