If Justin Hunter was not on notice before, he certainly is now. The Tennessee Titans wide receiver has been good for the franchise, but not great and they need more. After drafting Marcus Mariota, the Titans loaded up on wide receiver depth to help the offense produce in 2015 and as a result Hunter was placed on thin ice. His recent off-the-field issue does not help his future.
According to a police spokesman from Virginia Beach via ESPN.com, Hunter was arrested and charged with felonious assault following an earlier incident in a local bar. Hunter remains in jail at Virginia Beach without bond as the case is under investigation. The Titans released a statement noting they were aware of the situation and would continue to gather facts before determining their next move. So what could that move be?
According to Paul Kuharsky of ESPN.com, the best solution for Hunter could be getting released. The wide receiver had 28 catches for 498 yards last season and the Titans already told him he needs to do more if he intends to have a future with the franchise. Kuharsky writes the NFL will conduct an investigation and go from there, but a suspension is expected to which the Titans may cut their losses. Prior to the incident, Hunter expressed confidence that he would be a threat on the field in 2015.
"Personally, I don't feel like I have a chance to have a break now because I have a lot riding on the season and everything,'' said Hunter, via the Tennessean. "I have to get ready. I have to be prepared. I can't take a break because I have to stay in condition so I'll be ready to go to help this team. I know I have to produce. I am confident, but humble at the same time."
The Titans have depth to make up for the loss if it were to happen. The team has Kendall Wright while Harry Douglas and Hakeem Nicks were signed in the offseason. The Titans also drafted Dorial Green-Beckham who is expected to contend for the starting job. Losing Hunter would certainly be a blow to the overall offensive plan, but the Titans have the players to make it work if they need to move on. The question becomes how much time will the give it before making a decision.