In 2021, the Tennessee Titans were among the NFL’s strongest teams, overpowering contenders like the Buffalo Bills, Kansas City Chiefs, and the eventual Super Bowl-winning Los Angeles Rams to secure the top <a href=”https://www.buzzineintl.com/category/football/nfl/afc/”>AFC seed. However, the franchise’s decision during the 2022 NFL Draft to trade wide receiver A.J. Brown altered its course dramatically. The Titans exchanged Brown to the Philadelphia Eagles for the No. 18 and No. 101 overall draft selections amid stalled contract extension talks.
The outcome of this trade has been clear. A.J. Brown flourished with the Eagles, twice securing a lucrative contract and winning a Super Bowl, while consistently recording over 1,000 receiving yards in each of his three seasons—a mark tying an Eagles franchise record held by Mike Quick. Conversely, the Titans, having used the No. 18 pick on wide receiver Treylon Burks, have struggled to replace Brown’s production and influence.
Challenges Faced by Treylon Burks in Filling Brown’s Role
Treylon Burks, an Arkansas product drafted to take over Brown’s role immediately, has faced significant adversity since his rookie year. His career has been marred by injuries, including a torn ACL last season and a recent collarbone fracture during training camp. These setbacks have limited Burks to a maximum of 11 games played in any NFL season, with just one touchdown reception to date. Following his latest injury, Burks was waived by the Titans but reverted to injured reserve after clearing waivers.
Brown recently expressed mixed feelings regarding the trade during an interview with Pardon My Take. While grateful for the move that allowed him to thrive in Philadelphia, he voiced sympathy for Burks’ difficulties.
“I like to say that I outgrew that situation at Tennessee. 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 and I talk to him numerous times. I’ve got his number. It sucks to see it go down like that,”
Brown stated. —A.J. Brown, Wide Receiver
Impact on the Titans’ Performance Since the Trade
The Titans’ decline following the trade has been sharp and unmistakable. After Brown’s departure, Tennessee experienced its first losing NFL season since 2015. Their record progressively worsened each year, dropping from 7-10, to 6-11, and then falling to a league-worst 3-14 in the 2024 season. This rapid descent from the AFC’s No. 1 seed to holding the No. 1 overall draft pick serves as a stark reminder of the trade’s significant repercussions on the franchise’s trajectory.
The contrast between Brown’s success with the Eagles and the Titans’ ongoing struggles to replace his impact underscores the lasting effects of the trade on both player careers and team fortunes.