One of the top players selected in the 2022 NFL Draft could be on the move. Selected with the pick obtained in the A.J. Brown trade, the Titans believed Treylon Burks could eventually develop into the featured part of a strong passing offense. That has not happened through two seasons, as a combination of injury and ineffectiveness have limited him to just 49 receptions for 665 yards and one touchdown through his first two seasons. While he showed some promise as a rookie, the 2023 season seems to have destroyed his chances in Tennessee.
Appearing in 11 games while making nine starts, Burks finished the 2023 season with just 16 receptions for 221 yards and no touchdowns on 30 targets. The wide receiver ranked near the bottom of the league in most advanced metrics and the new coaching staff isn’t enamored with the Arkansas product. The Titans spent a fortune on Calvin Ridley at the start of free agency and recently added Tyler Boyd, signifying that Treylon Burks is probably available for trade.
Treylon Burks Likely On Trade Block After Tyler Boyd Signing
It goes without saying that the Titans won’t get too much in a Treylon Burks trade. Despite his draft capital, the wide receiver failed to earn a role on one of the NFL’s weakest wide receiver depth charts. While injury certainly played a role in his underwhelming sophomore campaign, it’s hard to envision anyone giving up anything more than a Day 3 pick for the Arkansas product.
That being said, this isn’t a N’Keal Harry situation. While Harry never showed anything at the NFL level, Burks had a few moments of gold throughout his career. While he never demonstrated superstar potential, he looked like a legitimate NFL weapon during portions of his rookie season. Some team will try and catch lightning in a bottle, and these five organizations are the best fits.
Potential Destinations
Los Angeles Chargers
The Chargers need wide receivers, and with all the good ones gone, they’re throwing as many darts as possible at the position. The team selected three receivers in the NFL Draft, signed DJ Chark, brought in Marquez Valdes-Scantling for a visit, and could trade a late-round pick for Treylon Burks. Outside of Ladd McConkey, none of the aforementioned players have all that much upside. Burks probably won’t reach his ceiling in Los Angeles, but he’s worth the minimal risk.
New England Patriots
The Patriots are doing everything in their power to support rookie quarterback Drake Maye. After missing on Calvin Ridley, the team selected two wide receivers in the NFL Draft and paired them with an army of adequate role players. Bill Belichick loved buying low on former first-round picks, and we could see his heirs do something similar in 2024. Treylon Burks isn’t the most exciting trade target, but he could fight for a roster spot and, if nothing else, should be an improvement on Tyquan Thornton.
Baltimore Ravens
The Ravens lost Odell Beckham to the Miami Dolphins and should try and find another starter. Perhaps Rashod Bateman can bounce back from his disappointing 2023, but the team could trade for Treylon Burks to provide some more competition. Devontez Walker isn’t a great fit for the Beckham role, but Burks has the raw talent required to do the job.
Kansas City Chiefs
Rashee Rice continues to be an idiot, and Kansas City shouldn’t plan on having him in 2024. While Marquise Brown and Xavier Worthy have potential, both players have yet to catch a pass from Patrick Mahomes. Treylon Burks might not be the safest trade target, but it’s hard to envision him being less reliable than Skyy Moore and Kadarius Toney.
Carolina Panthers
The Panthers have two reliable starters in Diontae Johnson and Adam Thielen paired with a high-risk, high-reward first-round pick in Xavier Legette. Bryce Young will have enough support if all three players work out, but each one carries their own sense of risk. Treylon Burks can be a low-risk, medium-reward addition to this receiver room, and the trade target should beat out Jonathan Mingo and Terrace Marshall on the depth chart.
Main Photo: Andrew Nelles – USA Today Sports
