In a surprising turn of events, the Pittsburgh Steelers are reportedly setting the stage for a major shake-up in their wide receiver lineup. Sources indicate a strategic move by the Steelers that could see them acquiring 2022 first-round pick Treylon Burks from the Tennessee Titans. This development comes amid ongoing discussions in the NFL community about Pittsburgh’s need to enhance its receiving corps through the trade market.
Pittsburgh Steelers’ Potential Bet
The Steelers, known for their astute and sometimes bold personnel decisions, appear to be making a calculated bet on Burks. Despite his modest performance in the 2023 season, where he managed just 221 yards from 16 catches without a touchdown, the potential upside of bringing a young and talented receiver like Burks into their squad could not be ignored.
ESPN’s Bill Barnwell recently highlighted this potential move in his post-NFL draft analysis, suggesting that Pittsburgh’s knack for revitalizing careers could turn Burks’s fortunes around. Barnwell noted, “The Steelers have always been comfortable taking shots on talented receivers who may not have reached their full potential elsewhere.”
#Titans HC Brian Callahan on Tyler Boyd and Treylon Burks:
Boyd — “Everything about him is what we want to be about”
Burks — “He’s gonna play everything… He’s gonna play inside, he’s gonna play outside, and he’s gonna carve out a role for himself”
We don’t have much… pic.twitter.com/UtrIWiQ4Ma
— The Coachspeak Index (@CoachspeakIndex) May 10, 2024
Why Treylon Burks Could Be the Right Fit for Pittsburgh Steelers?
With the Titans having bolstered their receiving team by adding notable names such as DeAndre Hopkins, Calvin Ridley, and Tyler Boyd, Burks’s position in the depth chart has seen a significant decline. This makes him an ideal candidate for the Steelers, who are looking to build a dynamic and versatile offensive unit.
Financially, the move also makes sense for Tennessee. Burks is set to earn north of $8 million over the next two seasons, a commitment the Titans might be willing to offload considering their recent acquisitions. Barnwell suggests that the Titans could facilitate the trade by either absorbing some of Burks’s salary or attaching a draft pick.
What Pittsburgh Steelers Stands to Gain?
If the trade goes through, the Steelers could provide Burks with the fresh start he needs. At only 24 years old and having shown flashes of talent in his college days at Arkansas, Burks represents an alluring mix of youth and potential. The Steelers‘ coaching staff has a reputable track record of developing young receivers, and Burks could very well be their next success story.
This trade scenario points to Pittsburgh’s broader strategy of not just competing but staying ahead of the curve by integrating young talents who can grow within their system. The expected exchange involving a 2026 sixth-round pick is a modest investment for a player who could become a key asset in the Steelers’ offensive playbook.
While the trade is yet to be finalized, the prospect of Treylon Burks donning a Steelers jersey next season is an exciting possibility. This move underscores Pittsburgh’s proactive approach in the competitive NFL landscape, where finding and harnessing untapped talent can make all the difference.
As the Steelers aim to fortify their receiver ranks, adding a player like Burks could prove to be a pivotal decision in their quest for future success.
The upcoming weeks should provide more clarity on this potential transaction, and Steelers fans have good reasons to watch closely as their team maneuvers through this offseason’s challenges.
