The Tennessee Titans made a tough call - and it’s one that might come back to haunt them.
Treylon Burks, once a first-round pick with high expectations, is now suiting up for the Washington Commanders. And while his time in Tennessee was marred by injuries and inconsistency, his recent play in Washington suggests he might just be finding his footing in the NFL.
Let’s rewind. Burks was taken 18th overall in the 2022 draft out of Arkansas - a big-bodied, athletic receiver who was supposed to be part of the Titans’ offensive future.
As a rookie, he showed flashes: 33 catches for 444 yards in just 11 games. Not eye-popping, but enough to build on.
But the momentum never quite materialized. In 2023, he again played 11 games, but his production dipped - just 16 receptions for 221 yards.
And in 2024, the injury bug bit hard. A fractured collarbone over the summer limited him to only five games, and he managed just four catches all year.
With his rookie contract winding down and his availability in question yet again, the Titans decided to move on. It was a business decision, plain and simple - but one that’s already looking a little shaky.
Because in Washington, Burks is starting to look like the player Tennessee hoped they were getting back in 2022. He’s healthy, he’s contributing, and he’s showing the kind of physicality and route-running that made him a first-rounder in the first place. He’s not just filling a roster spot - he’s making plays.
For the Commanders, it’s a low-risk move with real upside. For the Titans, it’s a reminder of how quickly potential can slip through your fingers in this league.
Time will tell if Burks truly turns the corner, but right now, it looks like Washington may have landed a steal - and Tennessee may be left wondering what could’ve been.