Titans rookie turns down other NFL options to stay in Tennessee

NASHVILLE — Tennessee Titans undrafted rookie wide receiver Bryce Oliver got stronger as training camp progressed and ended up making a legitimate push for the Titans 53-man roster.

Oliver is one of the best undrafted rookie receivers the Titans have had in years, but given the additions they’ve made to the position this offseason, there was not room to keep Oliver on the active roster.

The Titans offered Oliver a spot back on the practice squad with hopes that he will continue to develop as he spends more time in the organization. But in order for that to happen, Oliver had to turn down other NFL suitors.

With eight receptions, 90 receiving yards, and two touchdowns in the NFL preseason, there was a chance that Oliver was going to be claimed on waivers. He had put a lot of good tape out there. Titans GM Ran Carthon told the media on Thursday that he knew that was a possibility.

While Oliver did not end up being claimed and signed to a 53-man roster, other teams did reach out to him about signing to their practice squad. That’s a situation that head coach Brian Callahan had prepared Oliver for and cautioned him about.

Callahan told Oliver that the Titans have made an investment in his development over the last few months and plan on continuing that process. The 24-year-old wide receivers knows the coaching staff and the system in Tennessee and going to a new organization would mean starting over. Basically...the grass is not always greener.

Oliver had to decide whether he was going to return to the Titans or pursue one of his other opportunities.

The New York Jets are one team that reportedly expressed interested. But after weighing the different situations and what was best for his future, the former Youngstown State receiver chose the Titans.

Oliver is one of two wide receivers on the Titans practice squad (Mason Kinsey).

Related: Titans waiver claim and roster cut confirms what we all watched in preseason games