The Tennessee Titans continue to show interest in veteran free agent wide receivers. They've hosted both Tyler Boyd and Zay Jones on visits in recent days. It's a bad sign for former first-round pick Treylon Burks, who is struggling to find his place on the depth chart.
The Titans signed Calvin Ridley to a lucrative deal this offseason to play opposite DeAndre Hopkins. That would seemingly bump Burks down to WR3 at the highest, but he's not a candidate to play notable reps in the slot. If the Titans add Boyd or Jones to their team, it could be a telltale sign that Burks is on the trading block.
After being essentially acquired in the heart-wrenching trade for A.J. Brown, Burks has struggled with injuries and inconsistencies through two seasons. The new regime consisting of general manager Ran Carthon and head coach Brian Callahan inherited Burks from the previous decision-makers. They appear willing to sever ties.
We've identified three teams that should trade for Burks.
PITTSBURGH STEELERS
The Steelers have overhauled their wide receiver room this offseason. Diontae Johnson was traded to the Carolina Panthers and Allen Robinson II was released from his contract. General manager Omar Khan took a low-risk flier on Van Jefferson in free agency and drafted former Michigan wideout Roman Wilson in the third round.
George Pickens is now the unquestioned No. 1 receiver. Relying on Jefferson and Wilson is a dangerous proposition. New offensive coordinator Arthur Smith didn't coach Burks in Tennessee, but he's plenty familiar. Burks was initially drafted to play in a scheme that was similar to the one Smith installed with the Titans. The Steelers could use more ascending talent at receiver.
NEW YORK GIANTS
The Giants addressed their dire need for a No. 1 receiver by drafting Malik Nabers with the sixth overall selection. Nabers immediately projects as a go-to playmaker, but who's going to support him remains a question. Darius Slayton and the Giants are currently entangled in a contract-related standoff.
Head coach Brian Daboll hired several assistants who are familiar with Burks this offseason. Burks' 2023 offensive coordinator was Tim Kelly, who is now the Giants' tight ends coach. Defensive coordinator Shane Bowen also made a lateral move. If Kelly and Bowen have glowing things to say about Burks' talent and/or work ethic, the Giants would have little to lose by allowing him to rehabilitate his career.
KANSAS CITY CHIEFS
The Chiefs traded up for Xavier Worthy in the 2024 NFL Draft. They also signed Marquise "Hollywood" Brown in free agency. This wide receiver room still possesses a ton of question marks despite Brett Veach's aggressiveness.
Recent reports indicate Rashee Rice could be facing a lengthy suspension following an off-field incident involving a vehicle. There'd be no better place for Burks to breathe life into his faltering career than Kansas City, where an opportunity to play with Patrick Mahomes would be enticing. With Rice potentially out of the picture for half of the 2024 campaign, Burks could push Skyy Moore and Kadarius Toney for No. 3 duties.
