Nate Washington wants to stay with Tennessee Titans

Sep 29, 2013; Nashville, TN, USA; Tennessee Titans wide receiver Nate Washington (85) celebrates in the end zone after scoring a touchdown against the New York Jets during the first half at LP Field. Mandatory Credit: Don McPeak-USA TODAY Sports

Titans wideout Nate Washington said he would love to play for the team in 2014. Washington was very excited when talking about new coach Ken Wisenhunt, but admitted that the NFL is a business and that there’s no guarantee he’ll be back in Tennessee next season, per Josh Alper of NBC Sports. 

Washington started his career under Wisenhunt as an undrafted free agent for the Steelers in 2005. While at Pittsburgh, he was a very solid big play receiver as the third wideout in that offense. Having been with the Titans since 2009, Washington has been an under-qualified every down receiver, mostly due to lack of weapons and Kenny Britt being unable to stay on the field due to injuries and off-the-field run-ins.

Entering his final year of a six-year, $27 million deal, Washington is a release candidate this offseason with a 2014 salary of $4.8 million. Coming off a productive 58 catch, 910 yard season, I think the right move is for the Titans to keep Washington and let him play out his contract.

Tennessee is expected to cut RB Chris Johnson, which will save the team millions. By keeping Washington, the team will retain a weapon who QB Jake Locker likes, while also having a veteran in place as the third wideout as the team hopes for the developments of young WRs Kendall Wright and Justin Hunter to continue.

As a coach and an offensive coordinator, Wisenhunt has helped several veterans stay productive into their thirties. Perhaps in Tennessee he can continue that trend with Washington.