The Tennessee Titans have parted ways with wide receiver Treylon Burks, the former first-round selection from the 2022 NFL Draft.

Treylon Burks’ journey with the Tennessee Titans has come to an abrupt and surprising end. Once heralded as the next big thing in the Titans’ wide receiver room, Burks has officially been released by the team, just two seasons after being selected in the first round of the 2022 NFL Draft. The move signals the end of a tumultuous and often frustrating chapter in both Burks’ career and the Titans’ recent history of drafting pass-catchers. It’s a development that few could have predicted when Tennessee traded away A.J. Brown and made Burks the centerpiece of what was intended to be a new era of offensive firepower.

Burks entered the NFL with high expectations. Coming out of Arkansas, he was known for his physical style of play, ability to make contested catches, and his versatility lining up across multiple formations. At 6-foot-2 and weighing over 220 pounds, Burks drew comparisons to players like Deebo Samuel and even his predecessor, Brown. The Titans, at the time, were eager to find a dynamic playmaker to replace the production and presence of Brown, who had just been traded to the Philadelphia Eagles during the 2022 NFL Draft. The pressure on Burks to deliver right out of the gate was immense.

In his rookie season, Burks showed occasional flashes of his potential but struggled with consistency, injuries, and an evolving offensive scheme that did little to help a young wideout acclimate. He finished his first year with modest numbers — 33 receptions for 444 yards and one touchdown in 11 games. While not disastrous, the performance fell well short of what’s typically expected from a first-round receiver, especially one expected to fill the shoes of a Pro Bowler.

Part of the challenge Burks faced was adapting to the Titans’ offensive philosophy, which was heavily predicated on the run game with Derrick Henry as the focal point. The Titans’ passing offense lacked rhythm and creativity under then-offensive coordinator Todd Downing, and quarterback play was inconsistent due to injuries and a revolving door under center. That instability didn’t do Burks any favors. He often looked like a player who hadn’t quite found his fit — talented, yes, but never entirely comfortable within the system or with his role.

The 2023 season was viewed as a make-or-break year for Burks. The Titans, undergoing changes in the coaching staff and the front office, were trying to reset while still remaining competitive in a shifting AFC South. Will Levis emerged as a potential franchise quarterback, and new offensive coordinator Tim Kelly brought in a fresh approach. Yet despite the opportunities, Burks never truly broke out. He dealt with more injury concerns, limiting his availability and reducing his snaps in crucial parts of the season. He ended the year with just 16 catches for 221 yards and no touchdowns — a steep decline from even his rookie numbers.

The biggest issue wasn’t just the numbers, but the lack of progression. There were few moments where Burks looked like the dominant SEC receiver scouts had raved about. He failed to consistently separate from defenders, and his route running lacked the polish needed to be a reliable target. The Titans also signed veterans like DeAndre Hopkins to stabilize the receiving corps, effectively pushing Burks further down the depth chart. The team also invested in young talents and brought in competition, making Burks’ position increasingly tenuous.

Throughout training camp this year, Burks was under a microscope. With a new regime led by head coach Brian Callahan and general manager Ran Carthon, every player was being evaluated with a clean slate — but also with high expectations. Reports from early practices suggested that Burks was struggling to stand out, both in terms of physical impact and mental sharpness. Coaches praised his effort, but there were concerns about his consistency and ability to earn reps among a more competitive group of receivers. It became clear that he was no longer guaranteed a roster spot, and every snap counted.

Ultimately, the Titans made the decision to move on, releasing Burks in what many will see as a sobering admission of a first-round miss. For Tennessee, it’s a disappointing outcome, not just because of the investment made in Burks, but also because of what he symbolized — a hope that the team could build around young, cost-controlled talent on offense. Instead, they are left looking for answers yet again, and Burks becomes another name on the growing list of high-profile draft picks who didn’t pan out in Nashville.

This move also continues a troubling trend for the Titans when it comes to wide receiver development. Over the past decade, the team has struggled to consistently draft and develop wideouts who become impact players. While A.J. Brown was a notable success, the departure of other picks like Corey Davis, Dorial Green-Beckham, and now Burks suggests a pattern that raises questions about scouting, coaching, and system fit. The NFL is increasingly a passing league, and for teams to thrive, they must be able to hit on players at the skill positions. The Titans’ failure to do so with Burks is a setback in that regard.

For Burks, the road forward is uncertain, but not without possibility. At just 24 years old, he still has time to reshape the narrative of his career. It’s not uncommon for receivers to need time to adjust to the pro game, especially when dealing with injuries and coaching changes. A change of scenery could provide him with the mental and emotional reset he may need. He has the physical tools to contribute — size, strength, and flashes of high-point ability — but it will require dedication, better health, and the right situation to reignite the potential that made him a first-round pick.

Around the league, there may be teams willing to take a flier on Burks. Wide receiver is a premium position, and franchises are always looking for upside, especially in players who may have underachieved in poor environments. A team with a more stable quarterback situation or a pass-heavy offense might be able to extract more out of Burks than what was seen in Tennessee. It’s also possible that a role as a WR3 or depth option could help him rebuild confidence without the pressure of being “the guy.”

Still, the release is a reminder of how quickly things can change in the NFL. In just over two years, Burks went from being the face of the Titans’ offensive future to being released outright before the start of his third season. The NFL doesn’t wait for development — it demands production. And for first-round picks especially, the window for proving yourself is short.

Tennessee’s front office and coaching staff will now have to reassess their wide receiver room yet again. With DeAndre Hopkins still on the roster and younger names emerging during camp, the Titans may feel they have a clearer, more reliable group moving forward. But losing a first-round pick without meaningful return stings, both from a roster-building perspective and a public relations standpoint. Fans who had high hopes for Burks are left wondering what went wrong and what could have been.

As for the legacy of the A.J. Brown trade — a deal that effectively became Burks-for-Brown in the eyes of many — this release only sharpens the contrast. Brown has become a star in Philadelphia, earning Pro Bowl honors and thriving as one of the league’s elite receivers. Burks, meanwhile, struggled to stay on the field and never came close to matching that level of production. It’s a tough pill to swallow for a franchise that gambled and lost.

Burks’ release doesn’t necessarily mean the end of his NFL story. Sometimes, the pressure of being a first-round pick on a team with massive expectations is too much too soon. With a new environment, a supportive coaching staff, and a role better suited to his current skillset, Burks may yet find his place in the league. But for now, his time in Tennessee is over, and both sides will be looking to move forward from what ultimately became a disappointing chapter.

The Titans, meanwhile, will try to put the past behind them and continue to reshape their offense under a new coaching staff and with a young quarterback in Will Levis. Whether the pieces around Levis can grow and evolve remains to be seen, but what is certain is that Treylon Burks will no longer be a part of that picture. The chapter has closed — not with fireworks, but with a quiet release that underscores the harsh reality of professional football.