News Summary
The Tennessee Titans have released wide receiver Treylon Burks following an unresolved collarbone injury. Drafted in the first round in 2022, Burks struggled to meet expectations during his tenure, accumulating minimal stats amidst continuous injuries. His departure reflects ongoing criticisms of the Titans’ draft strategies, particularly the regrettable trade of star receiver AJ Brown to the Philadelphia Eagles, which has left the team seeking impactful talent in the wake of numerous draft failures.
Nashville, TN – The Tennessee Titans announced the release of wide receiver Treylon Burks on July 28, 2024, following a collarbone injury sustained during training camp. Burks, the team’s first-round draft pick in 2022, will not continue with the organization after struggling to reach the potential expected of him since being selected. His departure continues a pattern of criticism surrounding the Titans’ decision to trade star receiver AJ Brown to the Philadelphia Eagles during the 2022 NFL Draft.
The Titans traded AJ Brown to the Eagles in exchange for the No. 18 pick in the draft and a third-round selection. The team utilized the No. 18 pick to select Burks, who was anticipated to fill the significant void left by Brown. Additionally, the third-round pick was leveraged in a trade with the New York Jets for three more draft picks. However, Burks’ performance did not match expectations during his tenure with the Titans.
During his three seasons with the Titans, Burks recorded 53 receptions for a total of 699 yards and only one touchdown. His career was marred by injuries, as he played in just 27 of 51 possible games, ultimately leading to his release. The decision to part ways with Burks marks another instance of the Titans selecting a first-round draft pick that did not meet the team’s hopes, commonly referred to as a draft bust.
The trade of AJ Brown has attracted widespread criticism and is regarded as one of the most regrettable trades in recent NFL history. Following the trade, Brown thrived with the Eagles, securing a four-year contract extension worth $100 million and playing a crucial role in helping the team reach the Super Bowl. The Titans now face scrutiny for their ongoing struggles to find successful wide receiver talent since Brown’s departure.
Former Titans General Manager Jon Robinson discussed the AJ Brown trade in a recent interview, admitting a sense of regret over the decision. He noted that, if given the chance for a “mulligan,” he would have approached the trade in a different manner. He acknowledged Brown’s impressive performance since moving to Philadelphia and the impact it had on the Titans.
Robinson cited Burks’ ongoing battle with injuries as a significant factor in his inability to develop and meet the franchise’s expectations. After his firing on December 6, 2022, following a critical loss to the Eagles, Robinson reflected on the “brain fog” that accompanied that moment and the challenges faced during his tenure.
Moreover, Robinson discussed other draft choices that did not pan out during his term, including Caleb Farley and Isaiah Wilson. The COVID-19 pandemic posed unique obstacles for player evaluations, contributing to issues with scouting and development. Robinson expressed his belief in Burks’ potential despite the struggles that ultimately led to his release.
The Titans’ history of underperforming draft picks and trades, particularly in regard to the wide receiver position, has compounded the critique surrounding the organization. The failure in acquiring impact players in the draft has haunted the franchise, as exemplified by Burks’ release. This trend raises questions about the team’s drafting strategy moving forward and the potential long-term impact on the Titans’ competitive standing in the NFL.
As Burks moves on from the Titans, he adds to the ongoing narrative of the organization’s flawed receiver-drafting history. Conversely, AJ Brown continues to excel with the Eagles, underscoring the disparity between the two players’ careers since the trade. In light of these developments, former GM Robinson has expressed openness to exploring future roles within the football world, including opportunities in media and player coaching.
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Additional Resources
- Tennessean: Jon Robinson Fired
- Google Search: Tennessee Titans
- SI.com: Treylon Burks Failure
- Encyclopedia Britannica: National Football League
- Paul Kuharsky: AJ Brown Trade Blunder
- Google News: Titans Receiver Group
- Tennessean: Vince Young Highlights
- Google Scholar: AJ Brown
Author: STAFF HERE MILWAUKEE WRITER
MILWAUKEE STAFF WRITER The MILWAUKEE STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREMilwaukee.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Milwaukee, Milwaukee County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Summerfest, Milwaukee Film Festival, and the Milwaukee Boat Show. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Metropolitan Milwaukee Association of Commerce and Visit Milwaukee, plus leading businesses in manufacturing and brewing that power the local economy such as Harley-Davidson and MillerCoors. As part of the broader HERE network, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Wisconsin's dynamic landscape.
