Tennessee, August 5, 2025
News Summary
The Tennessee Titans have let go of wide receiver Treylon Burks following persistent injury struggles and a recent collarbone injury during training camp. Burks, a first-round draft pick in 2022, failed to meet expectations with just 53 receptions and one touchdown in his three seasons. His release adds to the scrutiny around the team’s draft history, particularly the controversial trade of star receiver AJ Brown to the Eagles. Former GM Jon Robinson expressed regret over the trade and the circumstances surrounding Burks, highlighting ongoing challenges for the Titans in finding effective wide receivers.
Tennessee
The Tennessee Titans have officially released wide receiver Treylon Burks on July 28, 2024, following a serious collarbone injury suffered during training camp, which added to his history of injuries throughout his brief career. Burks was selected by the Titans as their first-round pick in the 2022 NFL Draft (No. 18 overall) after a high-profile trade that sent star receiver AJ Brown to the Philadelphia Eagles.
The Titans traded Brown during the 2022 NFL Draft in exchange for the No. 18 pick, as well as a third-round pick. The Titans utilized the No. 18 pick to draft Burks, while the third-round pick was traded to the New York Jets, yielding three additional picks for the franchise. However, Burks’ statistics over the three seasons fell far below expectations, with 53 receptions for 699 yards and just one touchdown in only 27 of 51 games played.
The decision to trade AJ Brown has been met with widespread criticism, with many analysts deeming it one of the worst trades in modern NFL history. Following his departure from Tennessee, Brown signed a lucrative four-year, $100 million contract extension with the Eagles and excelled in Philadelphia, including contributing to the team’s Super Bowl run.
Former Titans General Manager Jon Robinson publicly reflected on the AJ Brown trade in a July 2024 interview, expressing regret for how it unfolded. He conveyed that if given the chance, he would approach the situation differently, acknowledging Brown’s stellar performance and successful career post-trade. Burks’ struggles with injuries, which contributed to his lack of development, ultimately led to his release, marking another instance of disappointment for the Titans when it comes to first-round draft choices.
Robinson also noted the challenges he faced during his tenure, including limited evaluations of players due to the COVID-19 pandemic, which complicated drafting decisions and led to additional failures beyond Burks. Prominent draft busts under his guidance included Caleb Farley and Isaiah Wilson.
The Titans’ history regarding wide receiver drafts and trades has drawn scrutiny for failing to secure impactful players. Burks’ release only adds to this narrative as the team grapples with its recent struggles and attempts to improve its performance on the field. Despite Robinson’s belief in Burks’ potential, his inability to showcase consistent success paired with injury issues marked the end of his time with the Titans.
After his dismissal as GM, Robinson is exploring opportunities to remain in football, having indicated interest in roles involving media and advising players or coaches as he transitions from the Titans’ management.
Background on AJ Brown and Treylon Burks
AJ Brown quickly established himself as a top receiver after his trade, helping the Eagles’ offense thrive and reaching the Super Bowl, while Burks’ production has not matched that of his predecessor. The Titans’ choice to release Burks has intensified discussions around their drafting processes and overall team strategy moving forward.
Recent Titans Draft History
The release of Burks illustrates the continuing challenges the Titans face in drafting effective wide receivers. After parting ways with Brown, the franchise’s struggles to find a capable replacement have become a significant concern, further contributing to their underwhelming performance in recent NFL seasons.
Future Outlook
As the Titans begin the search for a new wide receiver and evaluate their current roster, there are questions surrounding the team’s ability to change its fate. With Robinson open to new roles in football, the potential for a fresh start for both him and the Titans remains an interesting narrative in the league’s landscape.
FAQ
Why was Treylon Burks released by the Titans?
Treylon Burks was released due to a collarbone injury sustained during training camp and his struggles with injuries throughout his career, which hindered his performance.
What led to the trade of AJ Brown to the Eagles?
The Titans traded AJ Brown during the 2022 NFL Draft in exchange for the No. 18 overall pick and a third-round pick to acquire other talents.
How did AJ Brown perform after leaving the Titans?
After the trade, AJ Brown excelled with the Philadelphia Eagles, signing a four-year, $100 million extension and playing a key role in their offense, including reaching the Super Bowl.
Key Features of the Titans’ Recent Draft History
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| AJ Brown Trade | Traded in 2022 draft for No. 18 pick and a third-round pick; deemed a major mistake. |
| Treylon Burks’ Numbers | 53 receptions, 699 yards, 1 touchdown in 27 games. |
| Burks’ Injury Issues | Repeated injuries hindered his career development; ultimately led to his release. |
| Future Implications | Challenges in wide receiver drafting continue to impact the team’s performance and strategy. |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
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
