Acquiring five-time Pro Bowl receiver DeAndre Hopkins seems like an obvious move for the 1-4 Titans — if another team is willing to pay the right price. But if Tennessee doesn’t like what they’re being offered, it could be worth keeping Hopkins for the final months of his current contract. Sure, the 31st-ranked passing attack is scrambling, but Hopkins is still putting in a respectable workload (20 targets, 14 catches, 175 receiving yards, 1 TD). Additionally, if Will Levis is going to make any progress as a quarterback in 2024, it’s clear that he’s more likely to do so with Hopkins than without him.
Meanwhile, Burks did little under new coach Brian Callahan, recording just four catches (on eight targets) for 34 yards. It was Levi’s third interception of the season, dropping the ball on his first target in 2024 and losing a catch battle with Brandin Echols on his third. In last week’s loss to the Colts, Burks played a season-low nine offensive snaps.
It’s probably unfair that the Eagles sent Burks in the first round of the 2022 draft (18th overall) in exchange for AJ Brown, who developed early in Tennessee. A certified star in Philadelphia. Burks missed 12 games in his first two seasons. He had his chances (including seven catches, 111 yards in his sixth pro appearance), but he didn’t live up to the expectations of those who thought he might slot in as Brown’s long-term replacement. There is no doubt that it could not be done. But that’s not how Ran Carson has to sell him now. Rather, the Titans GM just needs to find a team. He likes Burks as a 2022 prospect and remains interested. Tennessee will increase draft capital while giving Burks, who has one year left on his rookie contract after this season and a team option for the fifth year in 2026, a chance to start his career elsewhere. There is a possibility.
