The Titans have undergone significant roster changes this offseason under the new leadership of head coach Brian Callahan. Callahan’s recent statements suggest that more changes may be on the way.
Earlier this offseason, Callahan expressed confidence in wide receiver Treylon Burks, Tennessee’s first-round pick in 2022, stating that Burks would “play everything.” This initially reassured those who were concerned that Burks might be marginalized in a wide receiver corps featuring DeAndre Hopkins, Calvin Ridley, and Tyler Boyd.
However, Callahan’s latest comments indicate a shift. On Tuesday, he suggested that Burks is now fighting for a roster spot and will need to find ways to contribute.
“He’s going to have to contribute,” Callahan said after Burks took reps as a gunner on special teams. “You only get so many spots on game day, and if he’s one of them, we need to find a role for him. With his size and speed, he should excel on special teams. The gunner role is something he can handle, and there may be other special teams roles for him as well.”
Burks was originally drafted to replace the production lost with A.J. Brown’s trade to the Philadelphia Eagles. However, Burks has struggled, recording just 49 catches for 665 yards and one touchdown over his first two seasons.
If Callahan views Burks’ main value as being on special teams, his place on the 53-man roster is uncertain. “Anytime you’re not a full-time starter, you have to contribute on game day,” Callahan said. “Trey’s attitude and approach to special teams have been fantastic, and I’m excited to see what he can do. I think he’s an asset on special teams.”
If the Titans decide to move on from Burks, trading him to a wide receiver-needy team like the Pittsburgh Steelers could be a sensible move. Although the compensation might not be significant, it would be better than losing him for nothing if he doesn’t make the roster.
