This offseason, the Titans experienced significant roster upheaval, and a new regime, led by head coach Brian Callahan, has taken control. Callahan’s most recent comments suggest that additional adjustments may be on the way.
Earlier this offseason, Callahan stated that wide receiver Treylon Burks, Tennessee’s first-round choice in 2022, will “play everything.”
Of course, this altered the perceptions of many who thought Burks was the odd man out in a packed wide receiver room that included DeAndre Hopkins, Calvin Ridley, and Tyler Boyd.
However, Callahan’s most recent comments indicate otherwise. On Tuesday, he acknowledged Burks is probably competing for a roster position and will need to contribute in any manner he can.
“He’s going to have to contribute,” Callahan said after Burks received reps as a gunner. “You know, there are only so many hats on game day, and if he’s one of those individuals, we’ll have to find a space for him. Guys like him, with their size and quickness, should become excellent special teams players. And so the gunner duty is something I believe he is extremely capable of accomplishing; there may be further responsibilities for him in the other phases as well.”
The Titans originally drafted Burks in the hopes that he would replace the performance of A.J. Brown, who was dealt to the Philadelphia Eagles.
However, he has been a bit of a disappointment, with only 49 catches for 665 yards and one touchdown in his first two seasons.
If Callahan believes Burks’ most valuable contribution to the team is on special teams, he is far from guaranteed a position on the 53-man roster by the end of the summer.
“Anytime you’re not the full-time starter, you’re going to have to contribute somewhere on game day,” Callahan said. “I believe Trey’s attitude and approach to special teams have been excellent, and I’m thrilled to see what he can do for them. “I believe he’s an asset on special teams.”
If Tennessee is willing to move on from Burks this summer, a trade with a team in need of wide receivers, such as the Pittsburgh Steelers, could make sense. The compensation would be minimal, but anything is preferable than nothing if he is not selected for the roster.
