Treylon Burks raced down the right sideline during the Titans’ first training camp practice earlier this week, looking back over his left shoulder as Cam Ward’s pass approached.
Half a step ahead of Jarvis Brownlee, Burks managed to get his hands on the football, but the cornerback broke up the play.
It was the kind of play that’s all too often marked Burks’ three years with the Titans, one that showcased both his potential and, ultimately, his failure to produce.
“Everything about [Burks], I like,” Titans coach Brian Callahan said. “I like his ability, I like his talent. The thing that he’s got to do for us — and I think he’s on the same page with it — is you’ve got to find the production. You have to make the plays when you have opportunities to make them — that’s in practice, that’s in preseason games, that’s in regular season games.”
A couple of years ago, the failure to come down with a contested catch like that might have beeen labeled a developmental moment, one that Burks could gain from down the line.
But times have changed for the 6-2, 225-pound Burks, a 2022 first-round pick who was drafted No. 18 overall, moments after the Titans had traded away star wideout A.J. Brown.
Once given the benefit of the doubt because of his draft status and physical tools, Burks finds himself in 2025 simply hoping he can secure a roster spot among a group of receivers that includes Calvin Ridley, Tyler Lockett, Van Jefferson, Chimere Dike, Elic Ayomanor, Bryce Oliver, Xavier Restrepo, James Proche II, Mason Kinsey and Matt Landers, among others.
Burks’ contract might enhance his chances to make the 53-man roster, as the Titans would have to swallow about $4.6 million in dead cap money if the team released him.
But speaking of that contract, it’s also worth mentioning Burks is entering the fourth and final year of the deal, another reason his sense of urgency should be heightened as he looks ahead.
“For sure, [that’s] right,” Burks said. “But I say with that whole contract deal, I don’t think about that at all. I don’t play football for money. I play it just because I love the game.
“Whatever comes with it comes with it. I’m grateful for every opportunity the Titans have given me, and I’ll just keep coming out here and giving them everything I’ve got, and praise God each and every morning for blessing me to wake up and be out here.”
That Burks is even competing at full speed in training camp is mildly surprising, considering he suffered a season-ending torn ACL last October. He remembers the exact date of the injury — Oct. 13 — well, as it occurred just a week after his daughter was born.
“I’ve been running [again] ever since the six-month mark,” Burks said. “The trainers pushed me to the limit. But even though it was hard, it’s paid off 100 percent because I’m out here getting reps, just doing what I need to do to be on this team.”
If there’s one thing Titans fans have learned about the 25-year-old Burks, it’s that he is resilient, as he has already battled back from a toe injury, a groin injury, two knee injuries and two concussions during his career.
The fact he’s had to prove his resilience so often, however, has been a problem.
Burks has played in just 27 of a possible 51 games, and he was active for only five contests last season before tearing the ACL.
“I would say it’s just the nature of the game … but I don’t hang my head on it at all,” Burks said. “I do exactly everything and more to make sure I’m prepared each and every week for games, practice, no matter what it is. Freak accidents happen, so I just say ‘God bless,’ and keep it rolling, man.”
Simply staying healthy would be a great start for Burks, but there has to be more.
In 16 games over the last two seasons — including 11 starts — Burks has managed just 20 catches on 38 targets (52.6 percent success rate), totaling 255 yards (12.8-yard average) and one touchdown.
It would seem that Burks and Ward have developed a solid chemistry during the offseason and the early stages of training camp, as the rookie quarterback recently praised the gifted pass catcher.
“Real explosive receiver,” Ward said. “He’s going to be one of our best targets this year. Not a lot of guys his size can move like him … Just hope he stays healthy. But when he does, he’ll be one of the best receivers out there.”
That’s what Ward, three years removed from being considered one of the college game’s top draft prospects, must prove over the next few weeks.
“Everything he does — how he works, the person he in in the building — are fantastic,” Callahan said. “I love Trey and I’m hopeful he can find a way to get the production he needs to. That’s the next step he’s got to take — is to produce.”