NASHVILLE, Tenn. -- The Titans have been losing with veteran players.

They figure they can lose without them and begin to get some draft picks. 

Multiple reports say Tennessee is finalizing a deal sending DeAndre Hopkins to receiver-needy Kansas City for a fifth-round pick that can turn into a fourth. I was told early Wednesday that it's not done, and final details were still being worked out.

DeAndre Hopkins
DeAndre Hopkins/ Angie Flatt

The Titans signed the veteran receiver to a two-year deal on July 24, 2003. He broke a long string of big-name veteran wide receivers who came to Nashville and failed. [Unlocked]

In 19 starts and 23 games, he caught 90 balls for 1,230 yards (13.7 average) and eight touchdowns. His calm, professional demeanor was important in a room that lacked experience in 2023 and continued to be a settling force even as the Titans added veterans this season.

On Monday, tight end Nick Vannett declined to name offensive leaders on the team, at least partly because they are difficult to identify on a 1-5 team. Hopkins was one.

Hopkins' production -- and the production of the entire offense -- was down this season under first-year coach Brian Callahan. 

The Titans need to gather draft capital to improve through the draft.

They can insert the reliable Nick Westbrook-Ihine into the lineup in Hopkins' place. In limited use, he's caught two of four targets, and two of his catches have been touchdowns.

This move could be the start of more. 

The trade deadline is Tuesday, Nov. 5. Jeffery Simmons and Harold Landry could draw bigger returns, but there is really no one the Titans shouldn't shop.