A.J. Brown and Treylon Burks will always be associated due to the high-profile 2022 draft-day trade between the Philadelphia Eagles and the Tennessee Titans. The Titans chose not to meet Brown’s contract demands and instead traded him to the Eagles.
With the first-round pick they received in return, Tennessee drafted wide receiver Treylon Burks at No. 18 overall. The move was designed to replace one star with a younger, cost-controlled option, but the outcome would prove dramatically unbalanced in favor of Philadelphia.
Brown Thrives in Philadelphia While Burks Struggles With Injuries and Unfulfilled Expectations
Following the trade, A.J. Brown quickly established himself as a cornerstone of the Eagles’ offense. He exceeded 1,000 receiving yards in each of his seasons in Philadelphia and played a pivotal role in the team’s appearances in back-to-back Super Bowls, including a championship win.
Brown reflected positively on the trade during a podcast appearance, expressing gratitude for the move and acknowledging that he “outgrew” the Titans’ environment. He praised the Eagles as a better fit and highlighted the advantages of playing in a larger market.
In contrast, Treylon Burks’ NFL journey has been plagued by injuries and unmet expectations. Over three seasons, Burks managed only 53 receptions for 699 yards and a single touchdown. He appeared in just 27 games and was often sidelined due to injuries, including a fractured collarbone in the 2024 training camp.
This offseason, the Titans waived Burks with an injury designation, a disappointing outcome for a player once seen as the franchise’s next No. 1 receiver.
Empathy Amid Success as Brown Reflects on Burks’ Struggles and Titans’ Gamble
Despite his success, Brown voiced concern and empathy for Burks’ situation. He noted that he remains in contact with the younger receiver and expressed his sadness about how things unfolded. Brown stated that Burks is “a good kid” and wished him better health, acknowledging that Burks never truly had the chance to shine.
His comments reflect not just the highs of his own career resurgence but also a sense of responsibility and respect for the player chosen to replace him.
The trade also casts a shadow over the legacy of former Titans GM Jon Robinson, who has since admitted he would like a “mulligan” on the decision. The 2022 draft class that included Burks turned out to be largely disappointing, with only Roger McCreary and Chigoziem Okonkwo still on the roster.
Other picks like Malik Willis and Nicholas Petit-Frere failed to meet expectations, further highlighting the long-term ramifications of trading away a proven star like Brown. The decision has become a cautionary tale in roster management and player valuation.
