Titans HC hints former first-round pick's time with team could be nearing its end

The Titans have seen a lot of roster turnover this offseason, and a new regime, led by head coach Brian Callahan, has taken over. Callahan's latest comments hint that more changes could be coming, too.

Earlier this offseason, Callahan said wide receiver Treylon Burks, Tennessee's first-round pick in 2022, would "play everything."

Of course, that changed the beliefs of those who believed Burks was the odd man out in a crowded wide receiver room highlighted by DeAndre Hopkins, Calvin Ridley and Tyler Boyd.

Callahan's latest comments say otherwise. On Tuesday, he said Burks is likely fighting for a roster spot and will need to contribute any way he can.

"He's going to have to contribute," Callahan said after Burks got reps as a gunner. "You know you only get so many hats on game day, and if he's one of those guys on game day, we're going to have to find a place for him. Guys like him should be great special teams players on top of it, just because of his size and speed. And so the gunner thing is something I think he's very capable of doing, there might be some more roles for him in the other phases, as well."

Burks was originally drafted by the Titans in the hopes that he could replace the production left by A.J. Brown, who was traded to the Philadelphia Eagles. 

However, he's been a bit of a disappointment, registering just 49 catches for 665 yards and one touchdown through his first two seasons.

If Callahan views Burks' biggest value to the team on special teams, it far from guarantees him a spot on the 53-man roster come summer's end.

"Anytime you're not the full-time starter, you're going to have to contribute somewhere on game day," Callahan added. "I think Trey's attitude and approach to special teams has been fantastic, and so I'm excited to see what he can do for them. I think he's an asset on special teams."

If Tennessee is willing to move on from Burks this offseason, a trade with a wide receiver-needy team such as the Pittsburgh Steelers could make sense. The compensation would not be very much, but something would be better than nothing if there's a chance he doesn't make the roster.