Tennessee Titans Release Veteran WR Robert Woods After Injury-Plagued 2022 Season

The Tennessee Titans Have Released Wide Receiver Robert Woods

In a surprising move, the Tennessee Titans have decided to release wide receiver Robert Woods. The veteran receiver had just completed the first season of a two-year, $29 million contract with the Titans.

Woods was signed by Tennessee last offseason to provide a reliable target for quarterback Ryan Tannehill. However, injuries limited Woods to just 10 games in 2022. He finished the season with 53 catches for 527 yards and 2 touchdowns.

The Titans were clearly hoping Woods would bounce back in 2023 after having an off year. But it seems the team wasn't willing to give him that chance. By releasing Woods now, the Titans will save about $14 million against the salary cap next season.

Examining the Titans' Decision to Release Robert Woods

This was not an easy decision for Tennessee. When healthy, Robert Woods has been one of the more consistent and productive receivers in the NFL over his nine-year career.

He had over 90 catches twice with the LA Rams, including in 2021 right before joining the Titans. But Woods will turn 31 years old next season and is coming off a significant knee injury that required reconstructive surgery.

The Titans may feel that Woods' best years are behind him. And with his large cap hit, they likely believe that money can be better spent elsewhere.

Tennessee has two young receivers in Treylon Burks and Kyle Philips that they want to get more involved. Burks especially was drafted to be a big-play threat out wide. This move could pave the way for the first-round rookie to take over as a starter.

What Led to Robert Woods' Decline in Production?

Woods' stats fell off significantly in his first year with the Titans. After averaging over 80 catches and 1,100 yards the prior two seasons, he finished with just over 50 receptions and 500 yards in 2022.

A knee injury suffered midway through the year was a big reason for the decline. Woods tore his ACL last November, cutting his season short. He fought hard to return for the start of 2022 but clearly wasn't himself.

Woods lacked his usual burst and explosiveness. That limited his abilities to gain separation and pick up yards after the catch. With Woods less of a threat, opposing defenses could focus more attention on stopping Derrick Henry and the Titans' rushing attack.

Henry is the engine that makes Tennessee's offense go. Not having a healthy Woods weakened the team's passing game and made them somewhat one-dimensional.

What This Means for the Titans Going Forward

This move signals that the Titans are ready to fully transition to a younger group of pass catchers. They used premium draft picks on Burks and Philips for a reason.

Burks, in particular, should benefit. He'll now get a chance to start and possibly emerge as Tennessee's new WR1. The Titans will be expecting a big leap from him in year two.

Tennessee also still has Nick Westbrook-Ikhine and Cody Hollister under contract. Those two receivers have been valuable role players the past couple seasons. One of them could move into the starting lineup alongside Burks.

Losing Robert Woods takes away an accomplished veteran target. But the Titans have the depth to absorb this loss. And they clearly feel the money saved can address other positions of need.

Tennessee's offense may take some lumps early on next season. But in the long run, this could prove to be the right decision if Burks and Philips develop as hoped.

What's Next for Robert Woods?

Robert Woods will now get to choose where he wants to play next. He's an established receiver who likely still has some productive years left.

Contending teams lacking receiver depth will probably show the most interest. Woods would provide an instant upgrade as a WR2 or WR3 for a playoff caliber team.

The Buffalo Bills immediately come to mind as a possible landing spot. Woods spent his first four seasons with the Bills and knows their system well. Buffalo needs receivers behind Stefon Diggs and could use a savvy veteran like Woods.

The Kansas City Chiefs, Green Bay Packers and Dallas Cowboys are other playoff teams who might consider bringing in Woods. Each has a need for pass catchers and could offer Woods a significant role.

Woods may also prefer to return to the west coast, where he spent most of his career. The San Francisco 49ers and Seattle Seahawks could be appealing options close to Woods' former home with the LA Rams.

Ultimately, Robert Woods should have plenty of suitors. Receivers with his track record usually don't stay unemployed for long. It will be interesting to see where he winds up.

Reacting to the Titans Releasing Veteran WR Robert Woods

Robert Woods' release in Tennessee came as a surprise to many. He was expected to be a key part of their offense after signing a two-year deal last offseason.

But injuries derailed Woods' first year with the Titans. And now they've decided it's best to move on rather than keeping him at an $11 million cap hit in 2023.

This is a bold move that will have a ripple effect across the league. Here's how players, fans and analysts are reacting to the Titans cutting ties with Woods:

Titans Players Understand the Move

Woods' teammates with Tennessee don't seem shocked by the decision. The veteran wideout clearly wasn't himself coming off a torn ACL.

Running back Derrick Henry called it a "tough business" when asked about Woods' release. Rookie receiver Treylon Burks said you have to expect the unexpected in the NFL.

Quarterback Ryan Tannehill noted how injuries impacted Woods this past season. He said the team will miss his leadership but understands why the move was made.

It seems the Titans players get that Woods' production didn't match his hefty contract. His release gives the younger receivers like Burks a chance to shine.

Fans Are Debating This Risky Move

The reaction from Titans fans on social media has been mixed. Some think Tennessee is smart to move on from Woods and get his big salary off the books.

But others aren't so sure, wondering who will step up at receiver next season. Woods' experience and rapport with Tannehill is not easily replaced.

Many fans are worried about the team now being too young at wideout. However, some are excited to see what Burks and other youngsters can do with increased roles.

This debate shows why it's a risky move for the Titans. Their passing game was already a weakness last season. Will cutting Woods make it even worse in 2023?

NFL Analysts Question the Timing

Several analysts around the league are puzzled by the Titans cutting Woods at this time. Many think Tennessee should have kept him around for one more year.

ESPN's Louis Riddick said he would have preferred the Titans restructure Woods' deal rather than an outright release. Having a veteran like Woods helps the development of young receivers.

Others point out that Woods' production could bounce back next season as he gets further removed from his knee injury. The Titans may regret not being more patient.

However, some analysts do feel this could work out. Woods clears the path for Burks to potentially emerge as a star. And Tennessee can use their cap savings to address other needs.

Robert Woods Should Have Plenty of Free Agent Options

While the Titans move on, Robert Woods shouldn't be unemployed for long. NFL Network's Ian Rapoport reports that multiple teams have already expressed interest.

Woods has been a consistent pass catcher throughout his career. Injuries derailed him last season, but he still has value at age 30.

Several contending teams need help at receiver, like the Buffalo Bills, Kansas City Chiefs and Green Bay Packers. Woods would be an excellent short-term addition.

The free agent market for receivers is very thin. So Woods finds himself in a good spot to pick his ideal situation. Don't be surprised if he lands another decent contract.

Robert Woods gave Tennessee some solid veteran production when healthy. Now entering free agency again, he'll get a chance to show he still has plenty left in the tank.

Wrapping Up the Robert Woods Situation in Tennessee

The Tennessee Titans' release of Robert Woods was an unexpected twist this NFL offseason. Woods looked poised to be their WR1 after signing a two-year contract last spring.

But a torn ACL derailed Woods' first season in Tennessee. The team has now decided to cut ties rather than keep the veteran at an $11 million cap hit.

This looks to be a move geared towards getting younger and cheaper at wide receiver. Top draft pick Treylon Burks should see a greatly increased role next season.

It's a bold gamble by the Titans, as their passing game was already a weakness. Time will tell if their young receivers are ready for larger workloads.

As for Woods, he will likely land on his feet. Contending teams need veteran receivers, so he should draw plenty of interest. Don't be surprised if Woods returns to Buffalo, where he started his career.

The Titans are now fully committed to their youth movement at wideout. Woods appears ready for a fresh start after his knee injury. It will be fascinating to see how this situation plays out for both parties.

FAQs

Why did the Titans release Robert Woods?

The Titans released Woods primarily as a cap-saving move. His production declined last season after tearing his ACL, but his $11 million salary for 2023 was too expensive for the Titans given their cap situation. The move frees up money for Tennessee to address other roster needs.

How much cap space will the Titans save by cutting Woods?

By releasing Woods, the Titans will save about $14 million in cap space for 2023. This gives them much more financial flexibility as they look to sign free agents and draft picks this offseason.

Who will replace Robert Woods as the Titans' top receiver?

The Titans are expected to give 2021 first-round pick Treylon Burks the first crack at becoming their new WR1. Burks was drafted to be the heir apparent to Woods. Other young receivers like Kyle Philips will also get more opportunities following Woods' departure.

What kind of free agent contract can Robert Woods expect?

Despite his down 2022 season, Woods should still command a decent contract in free agency. He likely won't match the $14 million average annual value from his Titans deal. But Woods could see offers in the $8-10 million AAV range on a short-term contract from a receiver-needy contender.

Could Robert Woods return to the Buffalo Bills?

A reunion with the Bills is possible for Woods. Buffalo needs receiver help and Woods enjoyed his most productive seasons there. Familiarity with the Bills offense makes Woods an intriguing short-term option as Buffalo pursues a Super Bowl. Don't be surprised if they show interest.