Treylon Burks Set for Fresh Start as Titans Explore Blockbuster Trade with AFC West Team #TennesseeTitans.
Treylon Burks’ time with the Tennessee Titans has been a roller coaster since he was selected in the first round of the 2022 NFL Draft. The wide receiver out of Arkansas was expected to fill the void left by A.J. Brown after the controversial trade that sent the Pro Bowl receiver to the Philadelphia Eagles. From day one, the expectations were sky-high, but injuries and inconsistency have defined his young career so far. Now, with the Titans entering a pivotal offseason, rumors of a trade involving Burks and an AFC West team have begun to circulate, creating waves across the league. This potential move could signify a fresh start for Burks and a strategic shift for the Titans as they try to reshape their roster for 2025 and beyond.
When Burks entered the NFL, his size, speed, and playmaking ability drew comparisons to some of the league’s top receivers. At 6’2” and over 220 pounds, he had the physical tools to dominate at the next level. His college tape showed a player capable of lining up outside, in the slot, and even in the backfield, making him a versatile weapon in any offensive system. However, his rookie season was hampered by injuries, limiting him to just 11 games and a modest 444 receiving yards. In year two, the Titans hoped for a breakout, but again, injuries and an underwhelming passing attack prevented him from reaching his full potential. With just 16 receptions for 221 yards in 2023, questions about his role in the offense and long-term fit have intensified.
The Titans are in a transitional phase, with second-year quarterback Will Levis at the helm and a new offensive direction under head coach Brian Callahan. After finishing last season with one of the least productive passing offenses in the league, Tennessee has made it clear that upgrading the receiver position is a priority. They’ve already added veteran talent and are rumored to be targeting wideouts in the draft, which could push Burks further down the depth chart. That reality has fueled speculation that the team might move on from him sooner rather than later, and according to multiple reports, an AFC West team could be interested in taking a chance on his untapped potential.
While no deal has been finalized, the fit makes sense for several AFC West teams. The Kansas City Chiefs, for example, are still searching for reliable wide receiver options to complement Patrick Mahomes. Despite winning another Super Bowl, their wideout group was inconsistent last year, and a physical receiver like Burks could thrive in Andy Reid’s creative offensive system. Playing alongside Travis Kelce and under the guidance of Mahomes could be exactly what Burks needs to revitalize his career.
The Las Vegas Raiders could also be in the mix. After parting ways with quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo and leaning on a combination of young and veteran players, the Raiders have questions at wide receiver beyond Davante Adams. Adding Burks as a low-risk, high-reward piece could give them a dynamic option to develop while keeping costs manageable. Similarly, the Denver Broncos are in the midst of their own offensive rebuild under Sean Payton. With Jerry Jeudy’s future uncertain and Courtland Sutton frequently mentioned in trade rumors, Burks could become an intriguing reclamation project for Payton’s offense.
For Burks, a change of scenery might be exactly what he needs. Sometimes, the difference between a player labeled a bust and a breakout star is simply opportunity and environment. Injuries have certainly played a role in slowing his development, but the Titans’ inconsistent quarterback play and offensive identity have also limited his chances to shine. A move to a pass-heavy offense with a proven quarterback could unlock the talent that made him a first-round pick just a few years ago.
From Tennessee’s perspective, trading Burks now could help them recoup some value before his stock drops further. The Titans’ roster is being reshaped around young talent, and they’re looking for players who fit their new offensive philosophy. By moving Burks, they could acquire additional draft capital or a player who fills a more immediate need. Given the AFC South is becoming increasingly competitive with the rise of teams like the Jacksonville Jaguars and Houston Texans, the Titans cannot afford to miss on key roster decisions.
Still, the question remains: what could Burks realistically fetch in a trade? Given his pedigree and affordable rookie contract, a mid-round pick seems plausible. For a team like Kansas City or Denver, giving up a fourth-rounder for a former first-round talent with two years left on his rookie deal is a calculated gamble. If Burks thrives, it’s a steal. If not, the financial commitment is minimal.
Fans in Tennessee are divided on the idea of moving on from Burks. Some believe he deserves one more chance to prove himself in a new offensive system with a young quarterback like Levis. Others argue that his lack of production and durability concerns make him expendable, especially if the Titans can bring in fresh talent through the draft or free agency. The addition of new receivers like DeAndre Hopkins last season showed that the team is actively seeking proven playmakers, and that could further squeeze Burks’ role moving forward.
The potential trade also highlights the evolving nature of NFL roster building. Teams are becoming more willing to move on from high draft picks early in their careers if things aren’t working out. The days of holding onto players simply because of draft status are fading as front offices prioritize flexibility and immediate impact. For Burks, this could mean a second chance to fulfill the promise that made him a first-round selection. For the Titans, it’s about aligning their personnel with a clear vision for the future.
If a trade to an AFC West team materializes, Burks will join a division filled with high-powered offenses and elite quarterbacks, offering him an opportunity to showcase his skills on a bigger stage. Playing in a division with Mahomes, Justin Herbert, and an improving Broncos squad would mean more primetime matchups and greater visibility. For a player looking to reset his career narrative, that could be invaluable.
In the end, whether or not Burks is traded this offseason, his situation underscores the uncertainty and constant churn of the NFL. For every player who bursts onto the scene, there are others who need a fresh start to rediscover their confidence and potential. Burks still has time on his side, and the physical gifts that made him a top draft pick have not disappeared. What he needs now is health, opportunity, and an offense that can maximize his skill set.
As the offseason unfolds, all eyes will be on Tennessee’s next move. Will they hold onto Burks and hope for a breakout year in 2025, or will they strike a deal that sends him to the AFC West in search of a new beginning? One thing is certain: the outcome of this decision will have ripple effects not just for Burks’ career but for the Titans’ offensive identity and future success. For a player who once carried the weight of replacing a franchise icon, the next chapter could finally offer the freedom to write his own story.
