Robinson finds paydirt for first time as a Titan

Robinson was bailed out of a disappointing fantasy day when he hauled in a three-yard touchdown pass from Cam Ward late in the fourth quarter. Robinson was heavily out-targeted by Carnell Tate in this one, but he and Tate continue to be the only fantasy-viable receivers in this Titans offense. Robinson could be in play as a desperation FLEX play in next week’s game agains the Texans.

Robinson’s third quarter reception was his lone official target, though he had a second catch wiped out by penalty in the fourth frame. 25-year-old Robinson is highly paid to be a compiler over the middle of the field, but he’s somewhat predictably looking like a poor fit with Cam Ward’s scattershot skill-set. He did at least catch five balls in Week 1. He is now heading on the road for a “revenge game” with his former team the Giants in Week 3. He will be a low-end WR4 for that one.

It’s a standard-issue Robinson statline for his Titans debut. Ominous, since this should have been an 8-9 reception Robinson outing with the Titans spending the entire game in comeback mode. Cam Ward and company simply could not sustain drives. In theory, Robinson could form a compelling inside-out duo with Carnell Tate, but Ward did not look like a player ready to break out on Sunday. Things could get worse before they get better with the Titans forced to take on the Eagles’ tough defense in Week 2.

This is good to hear. New Titans OC Brian Daboll brought Robinson with him from the Giants to serve as a reliable go-to option for QB Cam Ward, particularly on third down. Robinson has a chance to lead the Titans in targets this season, though questions about the offense’s overall effectiveness could keep him stuck in FLEX spots, rather than the WR3 tier.

FOX Sports’ Ben Arthur reported earlier that Bears DB Xavier Woods “laid out Wan’Dale Robinson over the middle of the field” during today’s joint practice, which “justifiably” prompted a response from the Titans’ sideline. Titans coach Robert Saleh called the hit “cheap.” The NFL reviews practice footage when available. We’ll see if anything comes of it. Losing Robinson for Week 1 would be consequential for QB Cam Ward, and would likely shift more work toward rookie WR Carnell Tate.

Davenport penned a lengthy piece detailing how OC Brian Daboll is focused on developing QB Cam Ward’s play on third down, in the red zone and in the two-minute drill. This is pretty straightforward. Those are all high-leverage situations, so harping on Ward’s performance there makes sense. Robinson played on all three drives in the Titans’ first preseason game while veteran Calvin Ridley was on the field for one. Rookie WR Carnell Tate was on the field for the first and third drives. A featured role on third downs could help Robinson return FLEX value — he’s certainly being paid like he is going to be featured.

This is a tall task for the shortest wide receiver to ever reach 1,000 yards in a single season. That said, Robinson and new Titans OC Brian Daboll spent the last four seasons together with the Giants, so Robinson is intimately familiar with the offensive scheme, and he added a vertical element to his route tree last year. Titans rookie WR Carnell Tate is his primary target competition and as Arvin notes, “Robinson should find favorable matchups working from the slot.” Robinson finished as the PPR WR14 last season, yet he is being drafted as a borderline WR4/5 in best ball. Even if Robinson ends up being Tate’s sidekick, this looks like a dip worth buying right now.

Robinson signed a four-year, $78 million contract in free agency. Washington is a free agent next year. Robinson’s career average receiving totals handily best Washington’s, but Shipley believes Washington has the potential to “blow Robinson’s resumé out of the water with a solid season.” Robinson cleared 130 targets and 90 receptions in consecutive seasons and totaled 1,014 yards and four touchdowns last year. Washington caught 58-of-88 targets for 847 yards and five touchdowns last year. It is his first time clearing 390 yards. That said, Washington broke out in 2025 and operated as the team’s No. 1 wide receiver. At least one beat reporter believes he can carry his 2025 momentum into 2026. The Jaguars’ receiving corps pecking order is worth tracking this offseason.

The rumored market for Robinson in free agency appeared to be the Titans or ... well, no, just the Titans. Everyone was saying it, you were hearing it more and more, and now it’s official. Robinson figures to be in the WR3 sphere as the lone receiver on the Titans who commanded targets last year. It’s not exactly an exciting landing spot, but the Titans will do a lot to keep Robinson’s fantasy value stable.

Robinson will hit the open market next week unless the Giants extend before the start of the new league year. All signs point to them letting him walk. Coming off his first 1,000-yard outing, Robinson will have plenty of suitors in free agency. The Titans desperately need an always-open target for Cam Ward to rely on and have plenty of money to spare. They currently have over $90 million in cap space. The Tennessee connection is aslo one that ESPN’s Turron Davenport made earlier this offseason. Robinson will have multiple options, but the Titans are currently the favorite to land him.