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What does Titans' signing of Andre Johnson say about the other receivers?

The Tennessee Titans have drafted five wide receivers (including three in the first two rounds) since 2012, signed two veteran free agents the past two years and brought in two undrafted wideouts this offseason.

And yet they feel like they need more help there. The Titans, per ESPN’s Adam Schefter, have signed free agent Andre Johnson to a deal.

Andre Johnson, 35, signed with the Titans after a tough year with the Colts (Getty Images)
Andre Johnson, 35, signed with the Titans after a tough year with the Colts (Getty Images)

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Johnson, 35, spent his first 12 seasons with the Houston Texans before spending last season with the Indianapolis Colts. He is first among active receivers with 1,053 receptions (eighth all time) and 14,100 yards (ninth all time) and has 68 TD receptions in 185 games.

But last season was a tough one for Johnson, as he never appeared comfortable in the Colts’ offense — save for a two-TD game back in Houston in his first game there as an opponent. There were whispers that Johnson might retire before his visit to the Titans on Thursday.

So can he contribute? And what does it say about the state of the position in Mike Mularkey’s offense?

Certainly giving Marcus Mariota one more savvy, sure-handed and big receivers can’t hurt, even one who might be on the 18th tee of his career. But Johnson’s signing — even if he doesn’t end up making the team — speaks volumes about the other receivers in Titans camp.

Kendall Wright is almost certainly the top option but is coming off a disappointing season and is at a bit of a career crossroads. Harry Douglas is one of the more reliable members of the group but isn’t a lock for the final roster. Rishard Matthews picked the Titans over the Patriots in free agency and has shown glimpses of intriguing ability but has averaged 2.2 catches in 49 career games.

And yet Johnson coming on should be taken as a shot across the bow of both Dorial Green-Beckham and Justin Hunter, two former second-rounders with first-round talent but disappointing productivity — predominantly Hunter, who is in a make-or-break season in Year 4. DGB’s offseason conditioning has been a concern for the new staff, and he took a spot behind fifth-rounder Tajae Sharpe, who was the star of offseason workouts, in the WR pecking order in OTAs.

This is a run-first offense that traded for DeMarco Murray and drafted Derrick Henry in Round 2. Their rushing prowess, and Mariota’s movement skills, are expected to be highlighted in Mularkey’s “exotic smashmouth” scheme. Given that identity, it’s hard to imagine the Titans keeping six receivers unless at least two of them are major special-teams performers (Johnson is not).

Long and short of it: One, perhaps two or even three of those wideouts mentioned above won’t be on the team. Johnson’s signing makes it all the more intriguing who stays and who goes.

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Eric Edholm is a writer for Shutdown Corner on Yahoo Sports. Have a tip? Email him at edholm@yahoo-inc.com or follow him on Twitter!