Steelers Rumored To Be Interested In Former 1st Round Pick; Now He's Available

The Pittsburgh Steelers have been pestered about their plans to acquire a capable WR2 for a couple years now. Those conversations have settled down somewhat, but they have fired right back up after Calvin Austin III suffered a shoulder injury that is expected to keep him out for multiple weeks. His latest update on that was not the least bit optimistic. They could try and finally get Roman Wilson involved, or rely heavily on a special teams ace in Ben Skowronek. Either way, there's an Austin-sized hole on the roster that needs to be filled. 

It doesn't sound like the Steelers are super interested in a trade currently, but they could still acquire someone, even if it's to the practice squad at first. One option just became available for General Manager Omar Khan, as NFL insider Ian Rapoport announced. 

There is no way to sugarcoat it: Treylon Burks' tenure with the Tennessee Titans has been nothing short of an absolute disaster. Injuries, inconsistencies, and poor coaching have kept him from ever truly getting off the ground. In his first three seasons in the NFL, he has amassed just under 700 total receiving yards and a single touchdown in 27 games. That is a nightmare for a player drafted with the 18th overall pick. 

Before the 2025 season could even get going, Burks broke his collarbone, and that was likely the final nail in the coffin for him. As Rapoport announced, his doctor has officially cleared him for all football activities, which means he can find a spot on a receiver-needy team and prove that he is not as much of a bust as he has been so far. 

There were rumors of the Titans waiving Burks ever since he suffered that injury. On Tuesday, October 7th, that finally happened.

With Austin not going on IR yet, the Steelers likely wouldn't cut someone on the active roster to bring Burks in, but it wouldn't hurt to give him a spot on the practice squad to see what he can do at this stage of his career. Worst-case scenario, his practice squad contract expires at season's end. Best-case scenario, he at least comes close to what the Titans thought they were getting after selecting him in 2022.

While the Steelers' coaching staff may have some questions, it is still a whole lot more stable than what Tennessee has had to deal with in the last few years, especially on the offensive side of the ball. Even if they are not the wide receiver factory they once were, there is still a chance that they could help Burks develop more than the Titans' staff ever did. 

On top of that, quarterback Aaron Rodgers still has a very high football IQ. There has been nothing but praise for his ability to help everyone out so far. Learning from the four-time MVP could be exactly what the doctor ordered here for Burks. He can help teach the fourth-year receiver how to be an effective player. At the very least, it can't hurt to try for both sides.

Steelers May Bypass On All Receiver Options To Continue Rolling With Jumbo Sets

In the Steelers' Week 4 win, they used a ton of 12 and 13 personnel, with utility lineman Spencer Anderson and tight end Darnell Washington playing a lot of the snaps. That resulted in the Steelers' most efficient rushing attack of the year so far. If they want to keep running that to make it work, they could just pass on Burks, as well as every other receiver on the open market and just bully teams at the line of scrimmage.

What do you think about the Steelers possibly signing Burks? Let us know in the comments or on X at @Steelers_ChrisB.

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