First-Round Pick Out of Chances with Current Team, Likely to Be Cut or Traded
The Tennessee Titans are likely to part ways with wide receiver Treylon Burks, a first-round pick from the 2021 NFL Draft, through either a trade or a cut in the coming weeks. Despite the usual optimism of the offseason, first-year head coach Brian Callahan’s recent comments indicate a lack of faith in Burks’ future with the team. Following an injury-ridden rookie season where he showed potential, Burks failed to make a significant impact in 2023, recording just 16 receptions for 221 yards and no touchdowns over 11 games.
With the firing of Mike Vrabel, the Titans tasked Callahan with reshaping the offense. Burks does not seem to fit into this new vision, especially after the team invested heavily in free agents Calvin Ridley and Tyler Boyd, leaving Burks without a clear role. Callahan even suggested that Burks would need to earn his spot on special teams, hinting at his decreased value to the team. Given these developments, it seems likely that Burks will be cut or traded before the season begins.
Brian Callahan’s Latest Comments Heavily Imply a Treylon Burks Cut or Trade
Though Burks’ performance in 2023 was disappointing, he has shown flashes of potential, particularly during his rookie season. While some players like N’Keal Harry never show any promise, Burks had some standout moments early in his career. Midway through his rookie season, he had two consecutive strong weeks and was on his way to a third before a concussion sidelined him. Though he hasn’t been the same since, a change of scenery might help him regain his form.
In today’s pass-heavy NFL, teams are always on the lookout for reliable receivers. Here are five teams that could take a chance on Burks through a trade or if he is cut:
**Possible Destinations**
1. **Los Angeles Chargers**
– The Chargers lack proven wide receiver options, with rookie Ladd McConkey being their only player with significant upside. While Burks might not be the long-term solution, he could at least provide some competition. If he can’t outplay Quentin Johnston, D.J. Chark, and a pair of seventh-round rookies, it might truly signal the end of his NFL career.
2. **New England Patriots**
– Bill Belichick was known for taking low-risk gambles on talented players who didn’t succeed with their initial teams. Although Belichick is no longer with the Patriots, the team could still adopt this approach. With one of the weakest receiving corps in the league, the Patriots could benefit from seeing what Burks has to offer.
3. **New Orleans Saints**
– The Saints have reliable receivers in Chris Olave and Rashid Shaheed, but Derek Carr needs more support, especially with a subpar offensive line. Given their limited cap space, the Saints might wait to see if Burks is cut. He could provide some depth and competition for A.T. Perry, who showed potential last year.
4. **Carolina Panthers**
– The Panthers could consider swapping one disappointing receiver for another by replacing Terrace Marshall with Burks. With decent starters in Diontae Johnson and Adam Thielen, along with first-round pick Xavier Legette, Burks could offer valuable depth if Legette takes time to adjust to the NFL.
5. **Kansas City Chiefs**
– Andy Reid’s expertise in scheming receivers open, combined with having the best quarterback in the game, makes the Chiefs an ideal landing spot for Burks. With Rashee Rice facing a suspension and Xavier Worthy battling an injury, the Chiefs are in need of another set of reliable hands. While Burks may never live up to his first-round status, he could potentially be more effective than their current options like Kadarius Toney and Skyy Moore.
