This is not the path the Tennessee Titans envisioned for wide receiver Treylon Burks.
Once thought of as a potential 1-for-1 replacement for superstar A.J. Brown, the former No. 19 overall pick now faces a season that will likely define the rest of his NFL career. After three seasons filled with injuries and disappointing production, Burks is largely considered a bust.
After the Titans declined the fifth-year option in his rookie contract, Burks is slated to be a free agent following the 2025 season. The Arkansas product was named as one of the players entering a make-or-break season by NFL.com’s Nick Shook.
The 2022 first-round pick spent on Burks — once envisioned as the replacement for A.J. Brown — has not come anywhere close to paying off. He’s made 53 catches for 699 yards and only one touchdown in three seasons. Tennessee declined his fifth-year option last month and set up a prove-it season. If first overall pick Cam Ward can breathe life into the Titans’ passing game, perhaps Burks will prove his worth. But given what we’ve seen in his first three seasons, it will be surprising if Burks suddenly blossoms, even with a more talented quarterback now under center.
With Mike Borgonzi taking over as the general manager and Brian Callahan entering his second season as the head coach, the current regime technically has no loyalty to keep Burks following the 2025 season if he doesn’t show improvement.
Unfortunately for Burks, the 25-year-old is still working his way back from a torn ACL he suffered during Week 6 of the 2024 season. That recovery process will be difficult enough for Burks to get the necessary reps in the wide receiver competition.
On top of that, the Titans made a handful of additions to the wide receiver room, including the signing of Tyler Lockett and the selections of Chimere Dike and Elic Ayomanor in the fourth round of the 2025 NFL draft.
History suggests Burks will face an uphill battle to carve out a significant role, which means this is very likely his last season in Nashville.