The Tennessee Titans’ recent signing of wide receiver Tyler Boyd creates a formidable receiving corps alongside Calvin Ridley and DeAndre Hopkins. However, this acquisition raises questions about the future of former first-round pick Treylon Burks in Tennessee.
Joe Dolan of Fantasy Points recently expressed on The Ross Tucker Podcast that Boyd’s arrival likely signals the end of Burks’ tenure with the Titans. Dolan cited Burks’ injury history and underwhelming performance as reasons for this assessment, stating that the “odds of Burks ever living up to his first-round status are next to nothing.” Despite this, Dolan suggested another team might be willing to trade for the young receiver.
Drafted 18th overall in the 2022 NFL Draft out of the University of Arkansas, Burks has struggled to make an impact in the NFL. His rookie season saw him record just 33 receptions for 444 yards and one touchdown in 11 games. His production further declined in 2023, with only 16 catches for 221 yards in another 11 appearances.
With Ridley, Hopkins, and Boyd now ahead of him on the depth chart, Burks faces an uphill battle for playing time. Even Nick Westbrook-Ikhine outperformed Burks in 2023, further diminishing his role within the offense. While a trade remains a possibility, the Titans’ asking price for Burks would likely be low considering his limited NFL success.
Despite his struggles, Burks possesses the physical attributes of a successful receiver. Standing at 6-foot-2 and weighing 225 pounds, he has the size and strength to compete at the professional level. His collegiate career at Arkansas showcased his potential, but he has yet to translate that success to the NFL.
A late-round draft pick might be a realistic return for the Titans in a potential trade. Teams in need of receiver depth, such as the Baltimore Ravens or Dallas Cowboys, could view Burks as a low-risk, high-reward acquisition. The Cowboys, in particular, could benefit from adding a player like Burks to complement their star receiver, CeeDee Lamb.
Beyond the addition of Boyd, the Titans have been active this offseason, bolstering their offense with running back Tony Pollard and center Lloyd Cushenberry. They also made significant defensive improvements, including a trade with the Kansas City Chiefs for cornerback L’Jarius Sneed.
The 2024 season will reveal how Tyler Boyd integrates into the Titans’ offense and whether his presence ultimately leads to the departure of Treylon Burks. The competition for playing time at the wide receiver position will be fierce, and Burks will need to significantly improve his performance to secure a role on the team.
