As part of a continued effort to reshape the roster under new general manager Mike Borgonzi, the Tennessee Titans officially signed rookie wide receiver Malik Benson and tight end Jared Wiley to their rookie contracts on Monday. In corresponding moves, the team released defensive backs Shyheim Carter and Josh Thompson to clear space on the 90-man offseason roster.
Benson, a fourth-round pick out of Alabama, is a dynamic playmaker with elite speed who was widely viewed as a potential mid-round steal. Known for his ability to stretch the field vertically, Benson will enter a wide receiver room that is looking to get younger and faster following the departure of veteran talent in the offseason. With a strong showing in rookie minicamp, he could find himself pushing for reps as a deep threat in Tennessee’s evolving offense.
Wiley, a sixth-round selection from TCU, brings size, blocking ability, and underrated hands to the tight end group. At 6-foot-6, 250 pounds, he projects as a solid depth option behind Chig Okonkwo and could contribute in two-tight-end sets or on special teams early in his career.
The release of Carter and Thompson was a necessary move to accommodate the incoming rookies. Both players spent time on and off the Titans’ practice squad last season but failed to establish themselves in a crowded defensive backfield. With the team bringing in multiple young defensive backs through the draft and undrafted free agency, competition in the secondary is expected to be intense throughout training camp.
The Titans have now signed six of their nine draft picks as the offseason rolls along. With rookie contracts continuing to fall into place, the franchise is shifting its focus toward OTAs and preparing for a pivotal training camp as they look to bounce back from a disappointing 2024 campaign.
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