Justin Hunter is facing a lot of doubt surrounding his future with the Tennessee Titans. The wide receiver was already preparing to enter training camp in a battle for the starting job and No.1 wide receiver position after the team beefed up the depth chart heading into the new year. Now, he is hoping to simply be kept on the team following an arrest for a bar fight in Viriginia. Just how thin is the ice Hunter is standing on?
According to ESPN.com, Hunter was released from jail on bond, but could face serious chargers following an incident that left injured with a broken jaw and cracked tooth. ESPN is reporting that while the NFL could intervene and place him on the Commissioner's Exempt List while the arrest is investigated, Hunter is planning on reporting to training camp like normal and beginning work with the Titans.
Tennessee has a decision to make about whether or not it is time to cut ties with Hunter. According to David Ammenheuser of the Tennessean, there is a good chance the franchise could simply opt to release Hunter and wipe their hands clean of the issue. Given the NFL's history of players involved in violent behavior, some kind of suspension is suspect. Since Jan.1, eight players have been released from their team following arrests for violent. Hunter could be next.
The Titans made it so Hunter is easily expendable this season. The team was already planning a major competition with the players during training camp and this could simply eliminate one from the race. Kendall Wright, Hakeem Nicks, Harry Douglas and rookie Dorial Green-Beckham could move on without Hunter and be the main rotation for quarterback Marcus Mariota.
The Tennessean continues to report that while Hunter might be at training camp, there is not guarantee that he stays and any signs of struggle could cause him to be on the first list of cuts. The early returns of Green-Beckham have been positive. Douglas is picking up right where he left off with the Atlanta Falcons and tight end Delanie Walker and new rookie Jalston Fowler, the Titans could be all set without Hunter.
Releasing Hunter is an easy financial move. The receiver is entering the third year of his rookie contract. He is set to earn just under $1 million this season while making just over $1 million in 2016 before becoming a free agent. If the Titans do not want to deal with the headache of a player already on thin ice, Hunter will be released quickly.
