Report: Titans cut ties with former second-round running back, wide receiver
The cuts are already rolling in prior to Saturday’s deadline as teams prepare to trim their rosters to 53 players. The Tennessee Titans are among the many getting ahead of the curve in that regard and have reportedly cut two former second-round picks.
According to ESPN’s Adam Schefter, the Titans are releasing running back Bishop Sankey and wide receiver Justin Hunter.
Both players were taken in the second round – Sankey in 2014 and Hunter in 2013. Sankey had an uphill battle to make the roster from the moment the Titans drafted Derrick Henry in the second round this year, making him all but expendable. He’s been a disappointment in his two seasons thus far. For his career, Sankey has rushed for 762 yards, averaged just 3.8 yards per carry and scored a total of four touchdowns.
It wasn’t that the coaching staff didn’t give him opportunities, either. He’s had ample chances to take over as the lead back but has succumbed to lesser-known players each time.
As for Hunter, he was also pushed out by a rookie. Tajae Sharpe was one of the preseason’s best receivers and solidified his role as one of the three best receivers entering 2016. Hunter came into the league with character concerns, much like Dorial Green-Beckham, who was recently traded to the Eagles. In three seasons, Hunter caught 68 passes for 1,116 yards and eight touchdowns.
It’s become clear general manager John Robinson and the Titans aren’t afraid to cut ties with underperforming players from previous drafts. These moves are seen as somewhat surprising, but Tennessee is rebuilding and felt the need to trim players unworthy of roster spots – regardless of where they were drafted.
