Among the many questions surrounding the Patriots' roster this offseason has been whether they made enough additions to the receiving corps to elevate Drake Maye to the level he desperately needed during his rookie year. Signing Stefon Diggs and Mack Hollins was notable and will certainly make a difference, but analysts and fans wonder if more moves need to be made.
It's partly why there is still considerable discussion around the possible blockbuster trade for someone like Terry McLaurin, who is seeking a new contract from the Commanders. If he becomes available, the Patriots would inevitably be interested.
However, if he doesn't, there is a chance they could utilize their estimated $60 million cap space to sign other players. Based on how they approached free agency, it wouldn't be surprising to see them reunite with another player they have a history with, such as wide receiver Treylon Burks.
Mike Vrabel was the Titans' head coach when Burks was drafted in the first round in 2022, as he was expected to help ease the loss of A.J. Brown, whom Tennessee's higher-ups forced them to trade. But the 25-year-old has not lived up to his draft status and was considered a trade candidate before he was released on Monday after he fractured his collarbone at practice, which might put him on the Patriots' radar.
That would be a big mistake, though.
Mike Vrabel and the Patriots cannot entertain a trade for Treylon Burks
If the Patriots decide they need more help on offense and want to invest in adding another receiver, there is no reason to look at Burks as the possible answer.
There's a chance he won't be considered, but Vrabel's familiarity with him could certainly make the team interested, despite Burks' mediocre performance over the last three years. That's why the experts at PFF believe he was going to be a trade candidate, and it proves even more why the Patriots should look elsewhere for offensive help.
"Viewed as Tennessee’s A.J. Brown replacement as the 18th-overall pick in 2022, Burks has repeatedly underwhelmed during his time in the Music City. In 2024, he was targeted only eight times, posting a 53.3 PFF receiving grade with 34 total yards. Over the past two years, the Arkansas alumnus has caught a meager 20 passes."
Although things have been far from steady for the Titans over the last few seasons due to head coach changes and underwhelming play from quarterbacks, Burks has done nothing to prove he was worth a first-round pick and has swiftly fallen down the depth chart every year.
Since entering the league in 2022, he's recorded just 53 receptions for 699 yards and one touchdown, which was during his rookie season. There's a chance a change of scenery could benefit him and elevate his play, but that's not a risk the Patriots should take.
If they are going to add to their receiving corps, it needs to be with a proven playmaker and not another experimental player in hopes of him having the breakout season they've been longing for.
That's why a player like McLaurin would make sense, especially when adding him to a room already led by Stefon Diggs. But unless a player of his caliber becomes available, trading for someone like Burks would be a waste of time.