In the easiest decision new Tennessee Titans general manager Mike Borgonzi may ever make, the Titans officially declined the fifth-year contract option for wide receiver Treylon Burks, according to Paul Kuharsky. The option would have guaranteed Burks a salary of $15.4 million for the 2026 campaign. The first-round bust will now enter a contract year in 2025.
Treylon Burks slated for contract year in 2025
Burks' arrival in Tennessee was immediately marked with disaster as former GM Jon Robinson selected him with the No. 18 overall pick acquired from the Philadelphia Eagles in exchange for AJ Brown during the 2022 NFL Draft. That was two GMs ago. Burks couldn't control the circumstances surrounding that decision, but his lack of on-field consistency has only further frustrated fans.
Burks has missed considerable time with injury in three consecutive campaigns. A turf toe injury limited him to 11 appearances as a rookie. As a sophomore in 2023, Burks suffered an LCL sprain during a joint practice before the season even began, limiting him to 11 games again.
The 2024 campaign welcomed more adversity. Burks suffered a season-ending torn ACL injury just five appearances into his third campaign. It's not like he's been a consistent performer when on the field either. Burks has recorded just 53 career receptions for 699 yards and one touchdown. The former Arkansas standout has been credited with more drops (six) than scores.
The Titans appear eager to replace Burks altogether. Borgonzi selected two wide receivers during the 2025 NFL Draft, adding Chimere Dike and Elic Ayomanor to the offense during the fourth round. Veteran Tyler Lockett was signed the night before the draft. Franchise quarterback Cam Ward saw his favorite target at Miami, Xavier Restrepo, signed in undrafted free agency.
Those represent four notable additions to the Titans' wide receiver room, and veteran free-agent signing Van Jefferson is arguably a fifth. Never mind guaranteeing Burks more than $15 million for 2026. Burks isn't a lock to make the 2025 roster, qualifying as a potential training camp casualty.
This move gets the Titans one step closer to removing the lingering stink of the Brown trade.