The Titans Great Wide Receiver Debate

NASHVILLE - There's no denying the Tennessee Titans need an infusion of talent at the wide receiver position before the coming season begins. Exactly how they should do this has become a source of great debate among fans on social media.

When the rumors first began to swirl through the Arizona desert across the NFL that Cardinals wideout DeAndre Hopkins could be had, fans in Nashville, and likely other cities too, began debating the cost of trading to acquire him.

The Cardinals original asking price was reportedly a second-round pick plus another "asset." However, as the days have passed since this joined the daily news cycle, it appears that those in charge in Arizona have realized that no one will pay that price for a soon-to-be 31-year-old receiver, regardless of his career stats.

Still, the fan debate raged on in Nashville, with many for and others against such a move by the Titans.

On Wednesday, Albert Breer of The MMQB and other outlets reported that the Cards have come to understand they are not going to get their initial asking price; instead, what they are likely to be able to receive in return would be a 5th and 6th round pick.

This revelation jumpstarted the frenzy of debate on social media for Titans fans, with those who want the team to make this move grabbing their soap boxes and preaching to the crowd.

As Titans fans and media, we've seen this movie before.

Randy Moss, Calvin Johnson, and Julio Jones were, in their prime, three of the greatest of all time. Yet, when they arrived in Nashville, later in their careers, they were shells of their former selves and provided little in return for the investment the Titans put into bringing their big names to town.

That is not meant to diminish those three gentlemen and their legendary careers. They earned and deserved all the accolades, but there comes a time in every person's career when it's time to hang it up. For the average person, our job performance isn't on public display. That's not the case in the NFL, where when a player has lost it, it's evident for all to see.

Please make no mistake; I'm not suggesting Hopkins has lost it or that he couldn't come here and be an upgrade over most of this current group of Titans wideouts.

The Titans can't risk him being the next name on that list of once-greats who came here to finish their careers while having little left in their tanks.

The Titans have too many needs and only six selections in the coming draft. Even if they gave Arizona their 5th this year and a 6th next season, that's two potential players they've given away on the chance a once-great player can return to form for a season or perhaps two.

Remember also Hopkins was suspended for the first six games of last season for a violation of the league's PED policy. Granted, he was spectacular upon returning and finished the 2022 season with 64 receptions, 717 yards, and three touchdowns.

Those numbers would have placed Hopkins as the team leader in receptions and yards last season for the Titans and second to Dontrell Hilliard in touchdowns.

Still, I struggle with making this deal and giving away potential young talent for an aging start without guarantees. Oh, and then there's his current contract, which could be restructured, but in doing so, you would likely add dead money in the end with voided years.

Maybe this is a smart move and one the Titans should make; after all, if he's got something left and can produce at least what he did in 2022, the Titans would have won the deal. But I can't find enough upside in this tumultuous time for the franchise to take another shot at another receiver over 30 who's had injury (missed three games with a hamstring injury, then three more with a torn MCL in 2021) and suspension issues.

Titans Related News:

Ohio State held their Proday on Wednesday: The Titans got up close and personal with some of their potential targets, like JaxonSmith-Njigba: CLICK HERE

David Long Fires Back: The former Titans linebacker didn't like the narrative painted of him by Mike Vrabel: CLICK HERE

The Titans Have Options At No.11: This year's draft seems to be aligning nicely for the Titans first-round options. CLICK HERE

Brace For Impact: There could be some moves coming that Titans fans won't be happy about. CLICK HERE