With each passing day, the probability of the Pittsburgh Steelers finding a high-end receiver diminishes.
The news of former Cincinnati Bengals receiver Tyler Boyd signing a one-year deal with the Tennessee Titans has left the team with few options. Some have suggested that recently-released receiver Zay Jones, formerly of the Jacksonville Jaguars, may be their best bet. Yet, the move to sign Boyd may have opened a new window for the team to explore. That person is Treylon Burks.
In his piece for the Draft Network, NFL analyst Justin Melo listed the Steelers as one of three teams that should trade for Burks. What Melo noted in this regard was the fact that he was initially drafted by the Titans to play in a scheme similar to the one developed by Arthur Smith. With Smith now the Steelers offensive coordinator, such a move would give him the chance to work with Burks.
Burks' stature (6'2, 225 lbs), potential, and possibility of not being too expensive for the team to acquire should make him a lead option, even though his production may not be ideal. Burks earned nine starts in the previous campaign, finishing with 221 yards on 16 receptions and no touchdowns. Injuries played a significant role in his 2023 downturn. He was sidelined for three games in September due to a left knee injury he sustained during practice prior to Week 4. Then, during their Week 9 loss to the Steelers in November, Burks suffered a concussion that sidelined him until Week 13.
Unless general manager Omar Khan can somehow parlay a deal with the San Francisco 49ers or perhaps trade for New York Giants receiver Darius Slayton, taking a chance on a young receiver like Burks may be the only avenue they can venture.