The Titans are releasing wide receiver Adam Humphries according to NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero.
The move clears $4.47-million in 2021 salary cap space that will be much needed for a Titans team that needs to re-tool on the defensive side of the ball to complement their high-octane offense.
Humphries’ Titans career will be remembered for injuries, unfortunately. After missing just one game due to injury in his four years in Tampa Bay, the 5-11, 195-pound slot receiver missed 16 of a possible 36 games in two seasons for the Titans. A severely sprained ankle cost him six games in 2019 (including two playoff games), while a concussion from an illegal hit from Bengals safety Jessie Bates knocked him out for 10 of the Titans last 11 games in 2020.
The former Clemson Tiger posted 60 catches for 602 yards and four touchdowns in his two seasons in Tennessee while serving as the third or fourth option in the passing game behind A.J. Brown, Corey Davis, and sometimes Jonnu Smith. His sure hands and slick routes made him a frequent target for Ryan Tannehill on third downs, but a big contract combined with uncertainty surrounding his concussion and potential lingering effects made this an easy call for Jon Robinson.
With Corey Davis and Kalif Raymond set to be free agents next month, Humphries release leaves the Titans with just two receivers who recorded more than three catches in 2020: A.J. Brown and Cameron Batson. Re-signing Davis likely remains a priority for Jon Robinson, but the former 5th overall pick is sure to have multiple suitors on the market.
Regardless of whether Davis returns, the Titans will need to do some serious work to restock the receiver position behind Brown. Fortunately, both the free agent market and the draft are loaded with high quality options.
With the salary cap restraints, I don’t see how we can be a better team than last year. It seems like we are losing a lot of talent without money to replace it. There’s a lot of cap tied up in the offensive line and cornerbacks. We need to get cheaper at those positions. Do you cut Saffold or Lewan? Adorre or Malcolm? Tough choices.
Not only is the WR class deep in the draft, this might be the best slot class we’ve seen in a while.
Whop Philyor is a guy I REALLY like as a potential late round guy.