Picture this: a promising wide receiver, selected in the first round of the NFL Draft, who has battled injuries and failed to ignite on the field, suddenly becoming a hot commodity in the free agent market. That's the intriguing saga of Treylon Burks, and it's sparking conversations across the league. But here's where it gets controversial – could this be a smart reclamation project for a team like the Pittsburgh Steelers, or just another gamble on a player whose NFL impact has been disappointingly minimal?
Let's dive in. After the Tennessee Titans decided to release him earlier this week, former Titans wide receiver Treylon Burks is attracting serious attention from NFL teams. According to NFL Network's Ian Rapoport, Burks is scheduled to visit the Denver Broncos soon, marking the beginning of what could be a series of team meetings as he searches for his next opportunity. Rapoport's tweet, shared on social media, highlights that Burks, a top free agent now available, is set to check out the Broncos next week, with potential for additional visits ahead due to the notable interest he's generating.
Rapoport didn't specify which other teams might be involved, but Pittsburgh could very well be on that list. The Steelers are dealing with a relatively weak wide receiver corps, and they've historically had a soft spot for high-profile former first-round picks – those players drafted early who carry that coveted pedigree. And this is the part most people miss: signing someone like Burks isn't always about immediate stardom; sometimes, it's about evaluating potential through a fresh lens.
Burks was the 18th overall pick in the 2022 NFL Draft, but his time in Tennessee was marked by underperformance. Over three seasons, he managed just 53 receptions for 699 yards and a single touchdown. His output dwindled year after year, and in 2024, he caught only four passes in five games before tearing his ACL, sidelining him on injured reserve. Even after returning healthy for the start of the 2025 training camp, a broken collarbone sent him back to IR, leading to his recent waiver by Tennessee.
Now, while reports like Rapoport's can sometimes be influenced by agents hyping their clients – remember, Rapoport once jumped the gun on Burks' release timing – the fact that a visit is already arranged suggests genuine league-wide curiosity. Any team, including the Steelers, eyeing Burks might consider adding him to the practice squad rather than the main 53-man roster. For beginners in NFL lingo, the practice squad is like a developmental group where players can work on skills without counting against the active roster or requiring big financial commitments, allowing teams to assess veterans without major upfront costs.
These kinds of buzzworthy reports are bound to stir up local excitement about the possibility of Burks joining a new team. But it's worth pausing to consider: how realistic are these discussions? Burks hasn't demonstrated much ability to make a significant difference in NFL games. The chances of that changing in Pittsburgh seem slim. Current backups like Roman Wilson are struggling to carve out consistent roles, and in head coach Arthur Smith's offensive scheme, wide receivers beyond the top two often get overlooked. Signing Burks might just add another layer to that frustration – a receiver with a history of struggles fitting into a system that's not particularly favorable to depth players isn't likely to be a game-changer.
And here's the controversial twist that could divide fans: if the Steelers do show interest, would Burks be wise to steer clear, or is there untapped potential worth exploring? Some might argue he's a reclamation project waiting to happen, perhaps thriving in a new environment with better support. Others could see it as a risky bet on a player whose body and production haven't lived up to the hype. What do you think – is Treylon Burks worth the hassle for Pittsburgh, or should teams look elsewhere? Share your thoughts in the comments; let's debate the merits of giving former first-rounders a second chance!
