Tennessee Titans Part Ways With Rookie Wide Receiver

It’s a tough day in Nashville for one of the more talked-about undrafted free agents. The Tennessee Titans are officially parting ways with Wide Receiver Xavier Restrepo, at least for now. According to the ever-reliable Adam Schefter of ESPN, Restrepo has been placed on the waiver wire.

This move feels like a classic “it’s not you, it’s me” breakup. The door isn’t completely shut on the former Miami Hurricane’s time with the Titans. The expectation around the league is that if he clears waivers, a big if for a player with his college production, the Titans will be quick to sign him to their practice squad. Where will he end up?

Why Couldn’t Restrepo Make the Final Cut?

Making an NFL roster as an undrafted free agent is like trying to win the lottery; the odds are stacked against you from the start. For Restrepo, the path was particularly grueling. The Titans’ wide receiver room is more crowded than a Nashville honky-tonk on a Saturday night. With established veterans like Calvin Ridley, Tyler Lockett, and Van Jefferson locking down the top spots, and impressive newcomers like Bryce Oliver and rookies Chimere Dike and Elic Ayomanor also demanding attention, there just wasn’t enough room at the inn.

Restrepo’s preseason performance was modest, with just three catches for 26 yards. It wasn’t enough to elbow his way into a jam-packed depth chart, making this cut feel less like a shock and more like an unfortunate inevitability.

The Ward-Restrepo Connection

So, why was there so much buzz around an undrafted guy in the first place? Two words: Cam Ward. The Titans made a smart move this offseason by bringing in Restrepo to make their No. 1 overall pick feel a little more at home. The two were practically inseparable at the University of Miami, where they developed a chemistry that looked almost telepathic.

That connection was on full display during the early days of OTAs. Ward would sling it, and Restrepo would be there. It was a familiar sight for anyone who watched Miami football, and it sparked hope that this dynamic duo could continue their magic in the pros. Jim Wyatt of TennesseeTitans.com even noted their “great chemistry,” highlighting a “bullet across the middle” that was a clear sign of their strong bond. Unfortunately, a great backstory and a few flashy plays in practice don’t always guarantee a roster spot.

For now, the dream of seeing them light up the field together during the regular season is on hold. If Restrepo does land on the practice squad, he and Ward can continue their early-morning film sessions and on-field work. It just won’t be under the bright lights of Sunday. The NFL is a tough business. Today, Restrepo got a harsh reminder of that reality.