Just about a year ago, the Titans expressed contentment with their wide receiver group heading into the 2023 season. However, the team later decided to enhance the group by adding veteran free agent DeAndre Hopkins. Despite this, the Titans ranked 29th in the NFL in passing yards last year, prompting significant investment in a new wide receiving corps. 
DeAndre Hopkins performed well, leading the team in all receiving categories with 75 catches for 1,057 yards, and seven touchdowns in 17 games. However, he lacked solid support as he was targeted 137 times, significantly more than the next most-targeted wide receiver, Nick Westbrook-Ikhine (45). Tight end Chigoziem Okonkwo (77) and running back Tyjae Spears (70) also received a fair share of targets.
The other wide receivers on the team provided minimal contributions. Following Hopkins, the top receivers were 30-year-old Chris Moore (22 receptions/424 yards/zero touchdowns), undrafted Westbrook-Ikhine (28/370/3), and former first-round pick Treylon Burks (16/221/0).
Burks faced challenges in his second year, even after posting average stats (33/444/1) in his rookie season. He missed six games in both seasons due to injuries, with turf toe sidelining him in his rookie year, and an LCL sprain causing him to miss more games this past season.
Burks may find it difficult to improve in Tennessee in 2024. While Moore has left in free agency, Hopkins and Westbrook-Ikhine will return next season. Additionally, the Titans made significant moves by signing free agents Calvin Ridley and Tyler Boyd. This new group represents a substantial upgrade over last year’s roster. Hopkins even mentioned that this is one of the best wide receiving corps he has been part of, according to Michael David Smith of NBC Sports.
With Ridley, Hopkins, and Boyd leading the first-team offense, and Westbrook-Ikhine showing more reliability than Burks in 2023, it may be a challenge for the 24-year-old from Arkansas to receive significant playing time this year. Even if he does, he will have to compete for targets with the four mentioned above. It seems that Burks may require a change of scenery to turn his career around.
Prior to last year’s trade deadline, the Titans made it clear that Derrick Henry and Hopkins were not available for trade. They were open to offers for Burks but were not eager to move the young talent. With the addition of Ridley and Boyd, their stance may have shifted.
While Tennessee may not receive a first-round value for Burks like Baltimore did for Marquise Brown in the past, some teams may still see the potential in acquiring the sixth receiver from the 2022 NFL Draft. If offers for Burks do not meet their expectations, his value may decline in 2024, unless he has a breakout season.
Teams like the Ravens, Bills, Chargers, Steelers, and Jets, who have wide receiver needs after the draft and free agency, could consider making a move for Burks. The Bills and Chargers have significant gaps to fill. Buffalo lost both Stefon Diggs and Gabriel Davis this offseason and rely on Khalil Shakir, Curtis Samuel, and rookie second-round pick Keon Coleman. Los Angeles lost star receivers Keenan Allen and Mike Williams and are depending on Josh Palmer, last year’s first-round pick Quentin Johnston, and second-round rookie Ladd McConkey.
The Steelers (George Pickens, Van Jefferson, Roman Wilson) and the Jets (Garrett Wilson, Malachi Corley) are relying on young talent, free agents, and rookie picks in their receiving corps. Baltimore may also be looking to add another pass-catching option to replace the production of Odell Beckham Jr. from last year.
If the Titans decide to move Burks or if Burks requests a change, they should have options. It is unlikely that Burks will find significant success as WR4 or WR5 in a Tennessee offense led by Will Levis. A move may be necessary this offseason or before the trade deadline to help Burks turn his career around and maximize his value.
