Wide Receiver Treylon Burks Waived By Tennessee Titans
For Treylon Burks, the dream of becoming the Titans’ next offensive weapon has officially fizzled out. Tennessee has opted to waive the 2022 first-round pick after yet another unfortunate injury setback. This time? A fractured collarbone from training camp
The NFL is all about “next man up,” and the Titans clearly decided they’re done waiting for Burks’ big breakout. Although he was drafted 18th overall to fill the shoes of A.J. Brown (following that infamous trade to Philly), it’s safe to say things didn’t quite go according to plan.
What Went Wrong For Burks?
You could argue that Burks’ time in Tennessee got off on the wrong foot and just never recovered. His rookie season showed glimpses of potential, racking up 444 yards in limited action, but “flashes” aren’t enough when you’re the supposed heir to a star like Brown.
By the time his second year rolled around, injuries began a relentless campaign against Burks. Concussions, knee issues, and the gut-punch that was his season-ending ACL tear in 2024 all played a role in sidelining him. And when he was on the field? Unfortunately, his production lagged far behind expectations. Over three seasons, Burks caught just 53 passes for 699 yards and one lonely touchdown.
To make matters worse, the Titans’ quarterback carousel didn’t do Burks any favors. Between an aging Ryan Tannehill, rookie experiments like Will Levis, Malik Willis, and guest appearances from Mason Rudolph, there wasn’t much stability to be found under center. It is hard enough for a young receiver to shine without trying to make magic happen with a constantly rotating QB squad.
Add in Tennessee’s gradual tumble from a top-seeded playoff team in 2021 to the NFL’s basement dwellers by 2024, and you’ve got the perfect recipe for developmental disaster.
Was It the Wrong Decision To Part Ways?
Burks’ release feels more like a cautionary tale than a shock, especially in a league that values “what have you done for me lately?” After investing a premium pick on him post-A.J. Brown trade, the Titans were essentially doubling down on Burks becoming their guy. The problem is, he never had the chance to “become” anything. Injuries and lack of progress forced their hand.
The Titans also likely factored in his recent remarks about wanting to “prove myself right,” hinting at a personal redemption arc for 2025. But with the latest injury, even that narrative crumbled. At this point, the team appears ready to move forward, handing his roster spot over to rookie Ramel Keyton.
Still, it is hard to look at Burks without wondering “what if?” Could he turn things around in the right system? Or will he become yet another sad footnote in Tennessee’s recent history of questionable draft moves?
The Bigger Picture For Titans Fans
Titans fans might be eating another bitter slice of reality pie with this move. That 2022 trade sending Brown to the Eagles looks worse by the day. Brown’s been thriving in Philadelphia, reminding Tennessee exactly what they lost. Meanwhile, this marks another first-round pick that hasn’t panned out in Nashville. And remember, this was supposed to be the move to replace Brown!
The phrase “draft-and-develop” seems like wishful thinking right now for a franchise that’s trying to rebuild from one disastrous season after another. Imagine trading away one of the league’s top wideouts to hit the reset button, only to watch that “reset” completely backfire. If this doesn’t have fans questioning the front office’s long-term vision, then nothing will.
What’s Next For Burks?
Here’s the thing. Burks might not be done just yet. Waiving him with an injury designation means he’s hitting waivers, giving 31 other teams the chance to scoop him up. If no one bites, he could revert to Tennessee’s injured reserve list or settle things with an injury release.
While the end of his Titans tenure feels inevitable, there is enough intrigue around the league to wonder if another team might see untapped potential in Burks. After all, you don’t just forget the talent that made him a first-round pick overnight. But man, would it take a heck of a leap of faith to put your chips on him right now? It is a waiting game. And for Burks, the stakes couldn’t feel higher as his NFL future hangs in the balance.
