Eagles star feels for injury-riddled receiver years removed from lopsided trade

A Pro Bowl wide receiver by his second season in the NFL, A.J. Brown was a centerpiece of the Tennessee Titans' offense alongside Derrick Henry. However, despite their contributions, the Titans were never able to build off of their 2020 AFC Championship Game loss to the Kansas City Chiefs. Tennessee still made the postseason in each of the next two years, but after the team managed a 12-5 record despite a down season from Brown, the franchise was convinced it wasn't worth the hefty price tag to keep him around.

As a result, the Titans memorably shipped Brown to the Philadelphia Eagles in exchange for the 18th selection in the 2022 NFL Draft, which they used on Arkansas standout Treylon Burks. Tennessee likely hoped that the trade would be a cost-cutting move without sacrificing much talent. Instead, the franchise is still facing consequences from the short-sighted decision three years later. 

Following three injury-riddled campaigns that saw him fail to eclipse 700 career receiving yards, Burks was waived by the Titans this summer. 

Burks impressed as a rookie, posting 444 yards on 33 receptions in 11 games. Unfortunately, it's all been downhill from there for Burks, who is still just 25 years old. A team could still see the potential in the former first-rounder, but after hauling in just 20 catches over the last two years, it will be an uphill battle for Burks to carve out a role for himself in the league. 

Brown, meanwhile, has experienced nothing but success since leaving the Titans. Brown put up 1,496 yards in 2022 and 1,456 yards in 2023 en route to two more Pro Bowl selections. He added another 1,079 yards in 2024 while earning a Super Bowl ring.

Brown recently expressed his gratitude for the opportunity to join a contender in Philly, but he also shared his sympathy for Burks, who was once viewed as a promising young receiver in the not-so-distant past.  

"I'm grateful that happened. I outgrew that situation at Tennessee," Brown said, per Nick Gray of The Tennessean. "I'm glad this happened, because I felt like I was meant to shine. We needed a big team with a big market, and I think this is the right place and the best fit for me. I am a little sad for Treylon Burks. I wish he could get healthy, because he is a good kid. I talk to him numerous times; I've got his number. And it sucks to see it go down like that."

While Brown continues to put together a Hall of Fame resume, he clearly hasn't forgotten what put him in a position to play at his best. It's difficult to see now, but there was a reason the Titans originally viewed this now-infamous deal as a lateral swap. Burks was expected to be a star, so it's understandable why his depressing exit leaves a bitter taste for the Tennessee faithful.

After suffering several setbacks early in his career, Burks' growing list of injuries was capped off by a torn ACL in 2024 and a fractured collarbone in July. As a result, he may have a difficult time latching on to an NFL roster this season. But with youth still on his side and an impressive track record behind him, it's far too early to call his career over.