Tennessee Titans wide receiver Nick Westbrook-Ikhine has been been a source of reliability for the past four seasons. The former undrafted rookie free agent out of Indiana University is second only to DeAndre Hopkins as far as passing options that Tennessee quarterbacks (and fans) have been able to trust.
And Hopkins just got to the Titans last year.
Mike Garafolo of NFL Network reported on Thursday morning that Tennessee would be brining back Westbrook-Ikhine on a one-year deal. The news comes less than 24 hours after the team agreed to terms with free agent wide out Calvin Ridley on a four-year, $92 million deal. Westbrook-Ikhine has never been a box-score standout, but he has continued to provide value both on offense and as a special teamer.
He will look to build upon that resumé under new coach Brian Callahan.
Westbrook Ikhine caught 28 passes for 370 yards and three touchdowns for the Titans last season. In total, he has started in 29 games for Tennessee due to a variety of injuries that have forced him into action. His receiving success rate of 57.8% in 2023 was a career high.
Ideally, Westbrook-Ikhine is the fourth wide receiver in the team's rotation that will now feature Ridley, Hopkins and underachieving 2022 draft choices Treylon Burks and Kyle Philips.
2023 seventh-round pick Colton Dowell and former UDFAs Mason Kinsey and Kearis Jackson are also under contract with the Titans heading into this coming season. Bringing back Westbrook-Ikhine should not preclude general manager Ran Carthon from continuing to address the team's skill position needs in the upcoming NFL Draft next month. Tennessee has very little team speed, and owns the No. 7 overall selection in 2024.
Westbrook-Ikhine's unlikely journey to the NFL will now span two different general managers and two different head coaches. It is a testament to the career he has created for himself.
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