Nashville, August 5, 2025
News Summary
The Tennessee Titans released wide receiver Treylon Burks following an injury, igniting criticism over the controversial trade of star receiver AJ Brown. Former GM Jon Robinson expressed regret about the decision, acknowledging Burks’ injuries and the team’s struggles with drafting and trading wide receivers. As Burks departs after limited success, Robinson hints at a potential reevaluation of strategies to recover from recent mistakes.
Nashville – Former Titans GM Reflects on AJ Brown Trade and Treylon Burks Release Amidst Team’s Struggles
The Tennessee Titans released wide receiver Treylon Burks on July 28, 2024, following his collarbone injury sustained during training camp. Burks was originally selected as the Titans’ first-round draft pick (No. 18 overall) in the 2022 NFL Draft. His selection was part of a controversial trade that sent star receiver AJ Brown to the Philadelphia Eagles.
The trade, executed during the 2022 NFL Draft, involved the Titans receiving the No. 18 pick and a third-round pick from the Eagles, which was subsequently used in a deal with the New York Jets to gain three additional draft picks. Despite high expectations, Burks had only 53 receptions for 699 yards and one touchdown over three seasons with the Titans, participating in just 27 of a potential 51 games due to a series of injuries.
The decision to trade AJ Brown has drawn heavy criticism and is regarded by many as one of the most regrettable trades in NFL history. Post-trade, Brown excelled with the Eagles, signing a lucrative four-year, $100 million contract extension and playing a vital role in helping the team reach the Super Bowl. Meanwhile, Burks’ inability to make an impact on the field has further compounded the scrutiny surrounding the Titans’ decisions in recent years.
Jon Robinson, the former general manager of the Titans, addressed the trade in a recent interview, expressing regret and a desire for a “mulligan.” He acknowledged Brown’s achievements in Philadelphia and admitted that he would approach the trade differently if given the chance. Robinson’s tenure with the Titans also included other draft misfires, such as selections like Caleb Farley and Isaiah Wilson, where he cited difficulties in evaluations stemming from the COVID-19 pandemic.
Burdensome injuries plagued Burks throughout his career, stifling his development and performance potential. Although Robinson recognized Burks’ talent, the combination of injuries and unmet expectations culminated in Burks being waived, furthering the narrative of the Titans’ struggles with first-round draft picks. The franchise has been criticized for its history with wide receivers and the trade’s fallout only adds to that trend.
As the Titans continue to face challenges, Robinson has expressed interest in potential future roles within the football world, including media opportunities and helping players and coaches navigate their careers.
Background Context
The AJ Brown trade drew ire from fans and analysts alike when it was executed two years ago. Brown was a key player for the Titans during his tenure, becoming known for his dynamic playmaking ability. The Titans aimed to bolster their draft capital but have faced mounting obstacles in finding success through their drafts since then.
Burks’ selection was intended to fill the void left by Brown, but injuries and inconsistent performances resulted in disappointment. His release now stands as a sobering marker in a string of wide receiver miscalculations the Titans have faced in recent years. The organization will have to reassess its strategy moving forward to reinvigorate the team and the fanbase.
Key Features in Review
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Player Released | Treylon Burks (July 28, 2024) |
| Injury | Collarbone injury during training camp |
| Draft Information | Selected as No. 18 overall pick in the 2022 NFL Draft |
| Trade Details | AJ Brown traded to Philadelphia Eagles for the No. 18 and a third-round pick |
| Performance Stats | 53 receptions, 699 yards, 1 touchdown in 27 out of 51 games |
| AJ Brown’s Achievements | Signed four-year, $100 million extension; helped Eagles reach Super Bowl |
| Former GM’s Insight | Jon Robinson expresses regret over the trade; calls for a re-evaluation of draft strategies |
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Additional Resources
- Tennessean: Jon Robinson Fired
- Google Search: Tennessee Titans
- SI.com: Treylon Burks Failure
- Encyclopedia Britannica: National Football League
- Paul Kuharsky: AJ Brown Trade Blunder
- Google News: Titans Receiver Group
- Tennessean: Vince Young Highlights
- Google Scholar: AJ Brown
Author: STAFF HERE PHILADELPHIA WRITER
PHILADELPHIA STAFF WRITER The PHILADELPHIA STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREPhiladelphia.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Philadelphia, Philadelphia County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Mummers Parade, Philadelphia Flower Show, and Thanksgiving Day Parade. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater Philadelphia Chamber of Commerce and United Way of Greater Philadelphia, plus leading businesses in telecommunications, food services, and healthcare that power the local economy such as Comcast, Aramark, and Children's Hospital of Philadelphia. As part of the broader HERE network, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Pennsylvania's dynamic landscape.
