Coach Mike Munchak said Nate Washington is "very much" in the Titans' plans.

"He is our leader," Munchak said. "We know how thin that position can get real quickly, and we have a good group to watch. Nate is very much in our plans." The Titans have spent a ton of money, but they're still not in a position where they need to shed Washington's $4.2 million salary. Also, the team is in win-now mode as GM Ruston Webster and Munchak try to save their jobs.

Titans GM Ruston Webster insists he has "no plans" to deal Nate Washington.

Washington's disappointing 2012 and $4.2 million salary have made him a popular target of trade speculation, but Webster is apparently content to go into 2013 with Washington behind Kenny Britt and Kendall Wright on the depth chart. We'd suspect Washington is probably still available for the price, perhaps a fifth- or sixth-round pick. Even if Washington makes it through the summer on the roster, he could be a "surprise" release at final cuts.

ESPN's Paul Kuharsky passes along "word" that Nate Washington fell out of favor with the Titans' coaching staff when he "gave half-hearted effort" over the final month of last season.

Washington managed just eight catches for 113 yards and no touchdowns in the final month, although this sounds like something that goes behind box scores and game-day performance. Washington has zero chance of playing 2013 on his scheduled $4.2 million base salary. We expect him to be released in the near future.

A source with knowledge of the situation told Titan Insider that Nate Washington would rather be released than traded.

Washington is a borderline starting-caliber NFL receiver and no one would trade for the $9 million-plus left on his contract, anyway. Washington apparently believes he could make more money on the free-agent market, and we wouldn't doubt it considering the shortage of halfway decent receivers available. If the Titans sign free agent Brandon Gibson, Washington will likely get his wish.

Sources tell NFL.com that the Titans are shopping WR Nate Washington.

Washington is a gritty veteran and team leader, but he's owed $4.2 million in 2013 base salary. It's a lot to pay for someone that will play well behind both Kenny Britt and Kendall Wright. If the Titans can salvage a late-round pick for Washington, they'd be doing very well.

Nate Washington caught one ball for 21 yards in the Titans' Week 17 win over Jacksonville.

Washington finishes up the 2012 season with 46 catches for 746 yards and four touchdowns, predictably failing to build on his stat line of 74-1,023-7 from 2011. Washington turns 30 before next season and has settled in as a role-playing deep threat with some big-play ability but little consistency to his game. For instance, he dropped a surefire 84-yard touchdown in Sunday's Week 17 loss. We'd tentatively expect Washington's stats to dip for a third straight season in 2013 as Kendall Wright enters his second year and Kenny Britt returns healthier.

Nate Washington led the Titans with four catches for 62 yards against the Jets in Week 15 on Monday night.

Kenny Britt was shut down by Antonio Cromartie on one side of the field, so Washington led the team with his six targets. He's purely a down-the-seam threat and isn't a frequent end zone visitor, so Washington isn't any more than a WR4 in fantasy. The Titans will travel to Green Bay in Week 16.

Nate Washington caught just one pass for 15 yards in Week 14 versus the Colts.

Washington was targeted seven times on the day, but he couldn't do anything with the passes. Jake Locker missed him on one end zone throw in the first half, as well. A boom-or-bust type receiver, Washington is no more than a WR4.

Nate Washington caught three passes for a game-high 96 yards in Week 13 versus the Texans.

Washington was targeted six times on the day and had a long reception of 49 yards. It was his second time topping 70 yards this season. After 12 games, Washington is on pace to catch 50 passes for a team-high 844 yards and five touchdowns. He's no more than a WR4 with a big game every once in a while.

Nate Washington led the Titans with 54 yards on four receptions and a team-high nine targets at Jacksonville in Week 12.

A typical Washington stat line. He had a chance for a touchdown on a fine throw by Jake Locker, but bobbled the ball until his foot stepped out of bounds. With just one game over 70 yards all season, Washington can be dropped in 12-team leagues in favor of high-upside backup running backs.