Tennessee Titans Release Treylon Burks After Injury

Tennessee Titans football field, highlighting the team's transitions.

News Summary

The Tennessee Titans have officially released wide receiver Treylon Burks following a collarbone injury sustained during training camp. This decision reflects the franchise’s struggles with previous trades, notably the controversial exchange of star receiver AJ Brown to the Eagles. Burks, a first-round pick in the 2022 NFL Draft, failed to make a significant impact over three seasons due to injuries, raising concerns over the Titans’ drafting and development strategies in recent years. Former General Manager Jon Robinson acknowledged regrets about the Brown trade, further complicating the Titans’ wide receiver situation.

Nashville, Tennessee – The Tennessee Titans have released wide receiver Treylon Burks on July 28, 2024, following a collarbone injury sustained during training camp. The decision comes as the franchise grapples with the ramifications of previous trades and draft selections, particularly the controversial trade of star receiver AJ Brown to the Philadelphia Eagles in 2022.

Burks, selected as the Titans’ first-round pick (No. 18 overall) during the 2022 NFL Draft, was part of a trade that sent AJ Brown to Philadelphia in exchange for the No. 18 pick and a third-round pick. As part of that trade, the Titans utilized the 18th overall selection to draft Burks, while the third-round pick was later used in a deal with the New York Jets to gain three additional picks.

Throughout his career with the Titans, Burks struggled to make an impact on the field, recording only 53 receptions for 699 yards and one touchdown over three seasons. These stats were compiled in 27 appearances out of a potential 51 games, largely hindered by a series of injuries that limited his playing time. This disappointing performance has contributed to perceptions of Burks as another first-round draft bust for the Titans.

The trade involving AJ Brown has faced intense scrutiny since its execution. Brown’s subsequent success with the Eagles, highlighted by a four-year, $100 million contract extension and his pivotal role in helping the team reach the Super Bowl, has only intensified criticism toward the Titans’ management. Many analysts and fans now regard the trade as one of the least favorable moves in recent NFL history.

Former Titans General Manager Jon Robinson acknowledged his regret regarding the AJ Brown trade during a July 2024 interview. He stated that given the chance, he would have reconsidered the decision, especially after witnessing Brown’s flourishing career in Philadelphia. Robinson explained that his perspective on the matter became clearer after being informed of his firing in December 2022, a decision precipitated by a heavy loss to the Eagles where Brown was notably successful.

The Titans’ release of Burks further complicates their track record in acquiring and developing talented wide receivers. In addition to the Burks-Brown situation, Robinson pointed to other draft missteps during his tenure, including selections like Caleb Farley and Isaiah Wilson, which he attributed in part to the limited evaluations available due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Despite recognizing Burks’ potential early in his career, Robinson attributed the player’s struggles to ongoing injuries rather than lack of talent. The management decisions surrounding Burks and the recent release have drawn attention to the Titans’ history of difficulties in the wide receiver draft and trade market, further cementing a narrative of challenges in player development within the franchise.

As the Titans continue to navigate these challenges, the team must now look toward rebuilding their receiving corps to address the shortcomings of recent years. Burks’ exit marks a significant point in this ongoing effort as the Titans seek to break free from the cycle of unmet expectations surrounding their draft strategies and trade decisions.

Looking forward, Jon Robinson has not ruled out future opportunities within the football landscape, expressing a willingness to engage in media and advisory roles for players and coaches. As he reflects on his tenure with the Titans, the lessons learned from the Burks and Brown scenarios are likely to shape his approach moving forward.