During the 2022 NFL Draft, the Tennessee Titans agreed to send superstar wide receiver A.J. Brown to the Philadelphia Eagles in exchange for a first-round pick. The Titans agreed to this trade because they believed Treylon Burks could be a cost-effective replacement for the former second-round pick. After two seasons, that appears to have been a bad bet.
After a somewhat promising rookie season, the Arkansas product crashed and burned during his second year in the league. Appearing in 11 games, the wideout finished the 2023 campaign with just 16 receptions for 221 yards and no touchdowns. After finishing the season with fewer receiving yards than Nick Westbrook-Ikhine and running back Tyjae Spears, whispers of a Treylon Burks trade were already starting to appear, and head coach Brian Callahan’s comments aren’t making anything better.
When asked about the WR group Brian Callahan mentioned how the #Titans need someone to emerge as a slot WR. He pointed to Kyle Philips, Mason Kinsey, Nick Westbrook-Ikhine. But no mention of Treylon Burks. pic.twitter.com/mlL6da0HgR
— TURRON DAVENPORT (@TDavenport_NFL) April 10, 2024
Treylon Burks Trade Starting To Feel Inevitable After Latest Comments
As you can see from the clip above, the former first-round pick does not appear to be high on the Titans depth chart. Davenport eventually asked offensive coordinator Nick Holz about Burks specifically, and his response only fanned the flames of the trade rumors.
“Treylon’s potential is very high. First-round pick, we see all the talent. But he’s going to get what he earns. He’s got a skill set that he’s a big guy and can run and make contested catches. If he can find a way to do that for us, that’d be a pretty big addition.”
This is a polite way of saying that Treylon Burks won’t be a contributor in the offense, and the team will probably try and trade him for whatever they can get. The wide receiver currently carries a $3.92 million cap hit, but the team can save just over $2 million by trading him after June 1st.
Even though he hasn’t worked out so far in the NFL, some team should be willing to take a risk on him. After all, if the Patriots could get something for N’Keal Harry, then the Titans should be able to get at least a seventh-round pick in a Treylon Burks trade. While just about any team could be willing to invest in a low-risk, high-reward player like Burks, these five teams make the most sense.
Possible Destinations
Los Angeles Chargers
The Los Angeles Chargers desperately need to do something about their wide receiver situation. Quentin Johnston looked like a massive bust as a rookie, and Josh Palmer is not capable of being the top man in a passing attack. Treylon Burks had a terrible 2023, but the trade candidate showed some signs of life as a rookie. Appearing in 11 games, the Arkansas product recorded 33 receptions for 444 yards and one touchdown. This might not sound like much, but seeing as he’s essentially free, the Chargers might as well roll the dice on him.
Buffalo Bills
The Buffalo Bills have 10 picks in the 2024 NFL Draft, so they should be willing to trade one of their late-round selections for Treylon Burks. With Stefon Diggs in Houston, this team needs somebody with a higher ceiling than Curtis Samuel and Khalil Shakir. Burks might not ever live up to his draft capital, but he’ll offer some upside for a team that could use another threat on the outside.
Carolina Panthers
With no first-round pick, the Carolina Panthers don’t have the resources to go after a top wide receiver prospect like Marvin Harrison or Malik Nabers. What they can do, however, is trade Jonathan Mingo for Treylon Burks. After just one season, Mingo appears to have worn out his welcome in Carolina, and both receivers could benefit from a change of scenery.
Kansas City Chiefs
Rashee Rice has an outstanding arrest warrant, which doesn’t bode well for his chances of playing in 2024. The Chiefs need another wide receiver opposite Marquise Brown, but they also need a cornerback to replace L’Jarius Sneed and a new left tackle. With so many needs at key positions, the Chiefs could trade for Treylon Burks and hope they can catch lightning in a bottle. After all, while another receiver would be nice, this team just proved they don’t need an elite option to win a Super Bowl.
Baltimore Ravens
The Baltimore Ravens lost multiple key starters in free agency, and they don’t have the financial resources to replace each one with a proven commodity. With this in mind, the Ravens could swing a trade for Treylon Burks and hope he can develop into a reliable player. Mark Andrews and Zay Flowers are both reliable pass-catchers, and if either Burks or Rashod Bateman step up in 2024, then this team should remain one of the best in the AFC.
Main Photo: Andrew Nelles – USA Today Sports
