Hakeem Nicks: Latest News, Rumors and Speculation Surrounding Free-Agent WR

Hakeem Nicks once starred for the New York Giants, but a decline in performance in the Big Apple and a supporting role for the Indianapolis Colts in 2014 appeared to have diminished his NFL profile as he searched for a team during free agency.

Continue for updates.

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Nicks Reportedly Will Sign with Titans

Friday, April 24

Mike Garafolo of Fox Sports reported that "teams interested in WR Hakeem Nicks have been informed he'll be signing with the Titans." Garafolo also noted that Nicks visited the Titans after a visit to San Francisco, and that he "heads to Tennessee in hope of regaining the form he once showed w/ NYG."

On April 13, Jim Wyatt of The Tennessean reported that Nicks visited the Tennessee Titans.

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Nicks Speaks on Future, Free Agency

Thursday, April 9

Nicks spoke to Mike Garafolo of Fox Sports about his future in the NFL as he explores free agency:

"

I'm nowhere near finished, man, and I want to prove that to the world and everybody. That's definitely my mentality, but I don't even want to talk about it. I feel like I got into that situation last year talking about it. I'm about to just go out there and prove it.

I can't even describe the feeling to you. It's like a burning sensation inside of me. I just want to be the best. I know I have to work hard at it; it's something that's in me. It's just in me and takes over me.

"

Nicks also said that he has visits lined up but wouldn't reveal the interested teams.

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Nicks Has Tryout with 49ers

Tuesday, March 31

Ian Rapoport of NFL Network confirmed that Nicks had a tryout with the 49ers.

The former Pro Bowl wide receiver and first-round pick is among the most interesting free agents of the offseason. Once regarded as one of the more promising receivers in the league, NBC Sports' Mike Florio, citing a league source, reported on March 18 "there’s currently little or no market" for Nicks. 

Nicks has a tremendous catch radius, is dangerous in the open field with the ball in his hands and can use his strength to gain leverage on opposing defensive backs. He just hasn't applied those skills as often since helping the Giants to a Super Bowl win following the 2011 campaign.

In January, Stephen Holder of the Indianapolis Star highlighted how impressive Nicks was in that postseason, hinting that similar play could help redeem an underwhelming regular season:

On Jan. 3, Nicks discussed his knack for stepping up in big moments, per ESPN.com's Mike Wells:

"

It's just playoffs and big games period. Ever since I was young, I've been playing in championship games. When I first put the pads on at 10 years I was playing in championship games. The bigger the stage means you have to up your game, and I look forward to this opportunity because they come far and in between.

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Colts veteran Reggie Wayne, electric youngster T.Y. Hilton and rookie Donte Moncrief all managed to remain ahead of Nicks on the Indianapolis depth chart at season's end. That diminished the need for the Colts, who opted not to re-sign Wayne and instead sign veteran Andre Johnson, to bring Nicks back.

Although he may not be quite the player he once was, perhaps Nicks can thrive in a new situation if he has the chance to contribute to a greater degree. Indianapolis' plethora of weapons limited what Nicks could show, so he may have more in store.

At this point, it would likely only take a short-term, incentive-laden commitment from a new team to land Nicks. That puts the onus on Nicks to perform well so he can position himself for a big payday as he enters the back half of his NFL career.