The Tennessee Titans have begun their cuts, and one notable move will be a bummer for quarterback Cam Ward.
The Titans, according to multiple reports, released undrafted rookie receiver Xavier Restrepo as part of its roster cutdown. Restrepo and Ward are good friends who played together at Miami, and Ward urged the Titans to sign him.
Titans Release Xavier Restrepo After Cam Ward Pushed for His Signing
Ward likely will understand, as it is a business and Restrepo went undrafted for a reason. However, the No. 1 pick was pumped up when the team took his advice and signed the undersized wideout in the spring.
I was real excited when (the Titans) signed X,” Ward told reporters in May, per the team’s website. “He’s somebody who was deserving of it. He’s worked hard every day. He is one of the most underrated players that was in the draft this year. I think every time he steps on the field, he remembers everything, and he is going to continue to prove it.
“He was one of the best route runners in college football last year, he is first team All-conference, he is All-American, he never lost in man coverage. He is a back-to-back 1,000-yard receiver, so why wouldn’t you push for him?”
Their chemistry was evident last season at Miami where Restrepo was an All-American after leading the nation in both receiving yards (1,127) and touchdowns (11). Ward, of course, also earned All-American honors while finishing fourth in Heisman Trophy voting.
All might not be lost for Restrepo (and Ward), though. ESPN’s Adam Schefter noted the Titans will look to get him on the practice squad and keep him in Nashville.
Restrepo Didn’t Show Titans Much in Preseason
That might not be too difficult, either. Restrepo didn’t show a ton on tape during the Titans‘ three preseason games. He played sparingly in the opener, and even without two of Tennessee’s veteran wideouts — Calvin Ridley and Tyler Lockett — down for the second game, Restrepo didn’t play the entire first half.
For the preseason, Restrepo recorded six total targets, hauling in three of those for 26 yards. Even in the limited sample size, he showed off some toughness, particularly with his ability to make a play in traffic.
Ultimately, though, the same lack of physical traits that caused him to go undrafted were evident to those watching him closely during camp and the preseason.
“He’s shown some toughness, ruggedness and reliability, but his lack of NFL-caliber speed was consistently obvious,” longtime Titans reporter Paul Kuharsky wrote on his site after news of the transaction broke.
Getting him onto the practice squad might be the best thing for all involved, as there are plenty of people in the game who believe Restrepo can succeed at the NFL.
Restrepo brings a strong slot receiver skillset to the NFL, where his great production, separation scores and great hands give him a high floor,” Pro Football Focus wrote about him in their draft guide.
If he does go unclaimed and stays with the Titans, having his biggest supporter, Ward, in place as the franchise quarterback certainly won’t hurt.
Titans Reportedly Cut WR After Cam Ward Pushed Team to Sign Him