Bishop Sankey, Justin Hunter Claimed by Patriots, Dolphins After Titans Release

The Tennessee Titans parted ways with a pair of recent second-round draft picks Friday, as they released running back Bishop Sankey and wide receiver Justin Hunter.

ESPN's Adam Schefter was the first to report Sankey's departure, while John Glennon of the Tennessean confirmed it and added the news regarding Hunter's release.

On Sunday, Hunter was reportedly claimed by the Miami Dolphins on waivers, per Schefter, while Adam Caplan of ESPN reported Sankey was added to the New England Patriots' practice squad.

The Titans took Hunter with the No. 34 overall pick in 2013 and Sankey at No. 54 in 2014, but neither carved out a consistent starting role.

In three seasons with the Titans, Hunter accrued 68 receptions for 1,116 yards and eight touchdowns, including just 22 grabs for 264 yards and one score in 2015.

The former University of Tennessee standout also had off-field problems, as he was arrested in 2015 due to his alleged involvement in a Virginia bar fight. However, he was found not guilty regarding assault and battery charges.

Due to the signing of both Rishard Matthews and Andre Johnson, the return of Kendall Wright and Harry Douglas and the emergence of Tajae Sharpe, Hunter became expendable.

Sankey was equally disappointing, as the Titans drafted him with the hopes of gaining an instant-impact starter.

The former University of Washington star started nine games as a rookie, but he ended that season with just 569 rushing yards on 3.7 yards per carry and two touchdowns.

His playing time dropped sharply in 2015, as he lost his starting job to Antonio Andrews and finished the campaign with only 193 rushing yards.

Tennessee traded for DeMarco Murray and selected Derrick Henry in the second round of the 2016 NFL draft. Dexter McCluster and Andrews give the Titans backfield depth, which left no room for Sankey.

The Titans are a team on the rise with quarterback Marcus Mariota at the helm, but Hunter and Sankey were symbolic of a dark time in the franchise's history.

Neither came close to reaching his potential, and cutting ties with both is another step in the right direction as Tennessee looks to compete in the wide-open AFC South.

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