Treylon Burks deserved better.
First-round picks are supposed to be beacons of optimism. They exist to change franchises' fortunes and headline blockbuster trades. Fans are meant to live and die with their practice reps, to get a little too excited on social media, to defend them passionately because of their potential.
Tennessee Titans receiver Treylon Burks didn't get that opportunity. His first impression was made for him by a front office that traded star receiver A.J. Brown to the Philadelphia Eagles in a draft-night trade that shifted the balance of power in the NFL.
In the three years since Tennessee traded Brown, he's been to two Super Bowls and won a championship as the leading receiver on a dynamic offense. Burks and the team that drafted him faded into obscurity. During that span, the Titans fired head coach Mike Vrabel, general manager Jon Robinson, and the latter's replacement, Ran Carthon. Last year, they were the worst team in football.
Tennessee ends the Treylon experiment
On Monday, the Titans waived Burks with an injury designation. After three turbulent seasons, he is no longer tasked with the burden of replacing Brown.
Burks' release comes after an early-camp injury. He fractured his collarbone on Saturday, ending his summer and presumably keeping him out of some September games. Burks had found himself increasingly out of Tennessee's offensive plans. The Titans signed Tyler Lockett and Van Jefferson this spring, drafted two rookie receivers, and signed quarterback Cam Ward's battery mate, Xavier Restrepo, as a UDFA.
With another injury taking hold, it became unlikely that Burns would factor into the team's success in 2025. His release was the corresponding move to signing receiver Ramel Keyton.
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Across three NFL seasons, Burks generated just 53 catches for 699 yards and one touchdown. He never played more than 11 games in a given year. In a pivotal 2024 campaign, Burks sprained his ACL in October, ending his year with five games and four catches to his name.
Burks was derailed by turf toe, multiple knee injuries, and two concussions during his short stint in Tennessee. For all of his early-round talent, his health never let him get off the ground. Combined with poor quarterback play, he was never truly set up for success.
With mid-4.50 speed and a strong frame, there's room for Burks to write another chapter in his NFL story. Being a first-round pick comes with second chances others struggle to find, and a change of scenery could find him a more favorable landing spot.
Burks figures to benefit from choosing his destination, although his next move will likely have to wait for his body to cooperate.
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Category: Football