After the Titans fired GM Ran Carthon on Tuesday, the Chiefs should consider trading for former first-round selection Treylon Burks.
The Kansas City Chiefs and Tennessee Titans completed two of the biggest moves in recent months, which benefited Kansas City. The Chiefs shockingly traded L’Jarius Sneed to the Titans this summer, receiving a premium third-round pick in the 2025 draft.
Then, in October, before of the NFL trade deadline, Kansas City acquired standout wide receiver DeAndre Hopkins, who has established himself as one of Patrick Mahomes’ top options. While these changes benefited the Chiefs, they had the reverse effect on the Titans, who unexpectedly fired General Manager Ron Carthon.
Carthon served as Nashville’s general manager for two years before signing an extension this offseason. With Carthon out, the Titans will be looking for a new general manager, which could lead to roster changes.
If the Titans want to freshen up their roster this offseason, the Chiefs should inquire about former first-round choice Treylon Burks. The former Arkansas wide receiver has battled to live up to his first-round status as a replacement for A.J. Brown.
In three seasons with the Titans, Burks has only 53 receptions (92 targets) for 699 yards and one score. With Calvin Ridley and DeAndre Hopkins already on the roster, the 24-year-old receiver was expected to play a role in Tennessee’s passing game this season.
However, despite Hopkins’ visit to Kansas City in October, nothing came of it. Burks only appeared in five games because he was placed on injured reserve with a knee ailment. He apparently sustained a non-contact injury during practice.
Even if Burks had been healthy, Nick Westbrook-Ikhine would have likely eclipsed him on the depth chart, as he evolved into a touchdown machine. The former first-round pick has a $4.5 million cap cost in 2025 and a club option in 2026.
Burks may not have his option picked up if things continue as they are. If the Chiefs are searching for a wide receiver reclamation project, Burks could be worth a late Day 3 choice if the Titans are interested.
If things don’t work out for Burks, the Chiefs may release him or try to trade him again. Burks would add depth at wide receiver and cause a position struggle with Skyy Moore, who has been similarly unimpressive. The Chiefs showed us that they were willing to take a chance on Kadarius Toney.
As a result, there’s little damage in taking a chance on Burks, who had some potential at Arkansas but has yet to put it together in the pros.
