Bryce Oliver was one of the biggest highlights of the Tennessee Titans preseason. He has the athleticism and talent required to be an NFL wide receiver, but the Titans simply didn’t have enough room for him on the final 53-man roster.
It’s a numbers game, after all.
The Titans already have Calvin Ridley, DeAndre Hopkins, Tyler Boyd, Treylon Burks, Nick Westbrook-Ikhine, and Jha’Quan Jackson filling up their wide receiver depth. Plus Kyle Phillips even though he was placed on IR.
So the Titans had to waive Oliver and then wait for him to clear waivers before they could add him back to the practice squad. It was never a sure thing that the Titans would get him back, but they were happy they did.
And now we’re learning that it was Oliver’s choice to return to the Titans as he had other offers.
#Titans UDFA WR Bryce Oliver had alternate options, but decided to sign with Tennessee's practice squad, per source.
Among the teams that attempted to get Oliver onto the practice squad.
The New York Jets.
Oliver recorded 8 receptions in the preseason for 90 yards and 2 TDs. pic.twitter.com/8skTXseYkw
— Justin M (@JustinM_NFL) August 29, 2024
Brian Callahan says he cautioned WR Bryce Oliver about leaving the #Titans to join another team’s practice squad.
There is an investment in Oliver in Tennessee and Oliver is familiar with the system here.
Oliver had interest from other teams but chose to stay.
— Sam Phalen (@Sam_Phalen) August 29, 2024
With the Jets, Oliver would have had an opportunity to play with the likes of Aaron Rodgers, Breece Hall, Garrett Wilson, Sauce Gardner, and more.
But as an undrafted free agent who initially spent time with the Titans, Oliver learned the ins and outs of the organization and got to know the players and coaches. He’s comfortable in Tennessee, and New York is a very different market.
No matter his reasoning for coming back, the Titans are happy to have Oliver back in the ranks.
