In the aftermath of an offseason that saw the Pittsburgh Steelers part ways with notable receivers Diontae Johnson and Allen Robinson, the team is urgently in need of reinforcements. Despite signing experienced players like Van Jefferson, Marquez Callaway, and Quez Watkins, along with drafting Roman Wilson, the Steelers’ receiving lineup appears conspicuously incomplete.
This gap in their offense has led ESPN’s Bill Barnwell to suggest a bold move: acquiring Treylon Burks from the Tennessee Titans. Bill Barnwell insightfully points out, “After trading away Diontae Johnson this offseason, the Steelers have an opening on the outside.
They used a third-round pick on Roman Wilson, who might profile best as a slot receiver earlier in his career, while former Rams wideout Van Jefferson hasn’t been productive in much better offenses as a pro.”
The Case for Treylon Burks
Treylon Burks, the 2022 first-rounder, has been under the radar in Tennessee, particularly after the Titans brought in Calvin Ridley and Tyler Boyd. This makes Burks an ideal target for a Steelers team desperate to reclaim its competitive edge in the passing game.
Barnwell suggests, “If the Titans are willing to eat $6 million of what’s left on Burks’ deal, I could see the logic in Pittsburgh sending a 2026 sixth-round pick to Tennessee to give him a fresh start.” However, this proposal might undervalue Burks’ potential impact.
Treylon Burks 6 '2 235 Of the Tennessee Titans would be an excellent trade. Give Tenn a 5th round Pick next year and The Titans would be expected to eat the rest of Treylon's 6-Million contract. _-🏈https://t.co/ROQ1CpnhBR
— 🏈SteelCitySonny✨️ (@WarrenS51615794) May 14, 2024
Despite a rocky start with the Titans, marked by health issues and a rotating cast of quarterbacks, Burks showed flashes of his capability during his rookie season with 33 receptions, 444 yards, and a touchdown across 11 games.
His style, often compared to that of A.J. Brown, hints at a high ceiling—a potential that Pittsburgh’s offensive coordinator, Arthur Smith, is uniquely qualified to nurture. Smith, having previously coaxed stellar performances from A.J. Brown as the Titans’ OC, could be the key to unlocking Burks’ talent.
A Deeper Look at Pittsburgh Steelers’ Strategic Needs
The Steelers are feeling the absence of Johnson and Robinson, who together accounted for nearly 27% of last season’s receptions and 38% of the touchdown catches. This void not only puts pressure on the existing squad but also heightens the urgency for a strategic acquisition like Burks, who could bring much-needed dynamism and depth to the team.
Contrary to Barnwell’s modest trade proposal, the Steelers, with over $18 million in cap space, could afford a more significant investment in Burks without requiring the Titans to subsidize his salary. This approach would not only reflect the true value of a recent first-round pick but also align more closely with the Steelers’ pressing needs.
A Win-Win Trade?
For Pittsburgh, acquiring Treylon Burks could represent more than just a roster fill. It’s a chance to strategically enhance their offensive capabilities and demonstrate a commitment to returning to the top of NFL offenses. For Burks, a fresh start in Pittsburgh under a coach like Arthur Smith might just be the catalyst he needs to revive his young NFL career.
As this NFL offseason continues to unfold, the Steelers’ moves will be closely watched, perhaps none more so than their potential pursuit of Treylon Burks. If executed thoughtfully, this trade could mark a significant turning point for both Burks and the Steelers as they aim to rebuild and refine their aerial attack for the upcoming seasons.
