Yes, I understand. Why would the Giants need another wide receiver, when they just drafted Malik Nabers?
Here’s the thing: there is a lot of uncertainty outside of Nabers. Darius Slayton is currently holding out, looking for an extension. Jalin Hyatt is an unknown heading into his second year, and Wan’Dale Robinson is a good yet undersized wide receiver stuck in the slot. Recent signings Allen Robinson III and Isaiah McKenzie don’t scream “intimidating” and Isaiah Hodgins had a down year compared to what he did in 2022.
In the end, these guys could end up performing well and I wouldn’t be mad about it. But, you can never have too many weapons, especially if you want to see if Daniel Jones can still be your starter. With that said the Giants should trade for Tennessee Titans WR Treylon Burks.
Why Is Burks A Trade Candidate?
Burks, the Titans’ 2022 first-round pick, was seen as a dangerous vertical weapon coming out of the University of Arkansas. The wideout’s combination of speed and size made him stand out from the rest. Tennessee was impressed and selected him with the 18th overall pick after they traded away A.J. Brown to the Eagles.
Seen as Brown’s clone, he was expected to be an instant contributor. In reality, Burks was just… Average. Playing in just 11 games, he had 33 catches for 444 yards and a touchdown for the Titans in 2022. These numbers were good for third-best in the receiving room, trailing Robert Woods and tight end Chigoziem Okonkwo.
However, he did finish with a 74.1 PFF grade, giving Titans fans and the organization optimism he would grow into a dangerous weapon. After all, not all players blossom from the moment they step on an NFL field.
But, 2023 was a disappointing one. With the team acquiring DeAndre Hopkins, Tennesee imagined a 1-2 punch with him and the newly acquired wideout. Hopkins was great (75/1057/7). But, Burks struggled. The first-rounder finished with just 16 catches for 221 yards and no touchdowns. He only played in 11 games, but rarely made a difference when he was on the field.
This offseason, the Titans added Calvin Ridley and Tyler Boyd to the receiving room, leaving Treylon Burks as the WR4. A role no one expected him to serve in the NFL, it’s clear that a fresh start may be needed to get him back on track.
Why The Giants?
New York has longed for a big vertical wideout for a while now. Yes, the 6’0″ Malik Nabers is set to be the WR1 and take the top off of defenses. But, you know what’s better than one or even two deep weapons (including Jalin Hyatt?). Three of them. Burks can rediscover himself here in New York, and it wouldn’t cost the team much (possibly a sixth or seventh-round pick).
Compared to the competition in Tennessee, Burks will have an easier time competing for the WR2 job with the unknowns at wide receiver in New York. He’s bigger than Robinson and Hyatt and will make things easier for Jones as he looks to rejuvenate his own career.
If he can remain healthy (six games missed in both 2022 and 2023), the Giants could have themselves a gem opposite of Nabers. Especially if the team does not reach an extension with Slayton, Treylon Burks could be needed more than many think.
Make sure to visit Belly Up Sports every week and follow me on Twitter/X! Also, check out me and my co-host Brian Germinaro on the Third and Ten Podcast, available wherever you get your podcasts!
Featured Image: Wesley Hitt/Getty Images
