The Tennessee Titans are taking steps to address their long-standing receiver issues. How much additional assistance is required?

Here are two crucial facts that the Tennessee Titans appear to be heavily considering:

Firstly, last season’s Cincinnati Bengals, coached by then-offensive coordinator and current Titans coach Brian Callahan, utilized at least three wide receivers for 84.8% of their offensive snaps.

The Titans, as is often the case, are actively seeking solutions at wide receiver. The acquisition of free agent Calvin Ridley on a four-year, $92 million contract is a significant step forward, especially with the return of veteran DeAndre Hopkins to complement him. This duo provides the Titans with a formidable pairing. However, beyond Hopkins and Ridley, the receiver group consists mostly of untested players and role fillers. Callahan has emphasized the need for the Titans to identify a reliable contributor for when the offense employs three-receiver sets.

Callahan mentioned three internal candidates for the slot receiver position: Kyle Philips, Mason Kinsey, and Nick Westbrook-Ikhine. Westbrook-Ikhine boasts the most experience, leading the Titans in slot yards in 2022. Philips was drafted for the slot role but has faced injuries in his first two seasons, while Kinsey has primarily been on the practice squad.

Interestingly, Callahan didn’t mention Treylon Burks, the Titans’ 2022 first-round NFL Draft pick who has faced injury setbacks. Burks has primarily lined up in the slot during his college career, suggesting potential experience in that role.

Offensive coordinator Nick Holz emphasizes the versatility of modern slot receivers, pointing out that size and playing style vary. He believes in utilizing Hopkins and Ridley across different positions on the field.

The Titans have around five months to solidify their third receiving option, whether through the draft, free agency, or player development. However, the historical issue for the Titans hasn’t been depth but rather a lack of top-tier production from receivers. Despite having multiple wide receivers surpass 1,000 yards, the Titans have only produced 10 total 1,000-yard seasons from receivers since 2000, highlighting the need for consistent top-end performance.

Callahan stresses the importance of having fast, explosive, and physical receivers, indicating the Titans’ continued focus on adding talent at the position. Ultimately, the success of the Titans’ receiving corps will likely hinge on the performance of their top options, particularly Ridley and Hopkins.