Titans Trade A.J. Brown for Two First‑Round Picks, Burks Disappoints

June 2, 2026 — The Tennessee Titans finally see the full impact of the A.J. Brown trade as the franchise evaluates the two first‑round picks they handed to Philadelphia and the missed opportunity on receiver Treylon Burks. The move, completed on April 28, 2022, still echoes through the team’s draft board and salary‑cap calculations.

Brown left Nashville after the 2022 season, signing a four‑year, $100 million deal with the Eagles, while the Titans drafted Arkansas standout Burks with the 18th overall pick. Burks’ production has been underwhelming, leaving fans and analysts questioning the trade’s true cost.

What did the Titans surrender for A.J. Brown?

The Titans sent the Eagles two first‑round selections — the 18th and a supplemental 101st‑round pick — in exchange for the former Alabama star. Philadelphia immediately inked Brown to a lucrative four‑year pact, banking on his route‑running and yards‑after‑catch ability to boost a stagnant offense.

How did the Burks selection pan out?

Burks entered the league with a reputation for speed and contested catches, yet his rookie season produced just 352 receiving yards and a single touchdown, and subsequent years have not shown the expected upside. The disparity between Brown’s immediate impact and Burks’ limited role fuels ongoing debate about the Titans’ draft strategy.

Key Developments

• The Eagles’ trade package included the 18th overall pick and a supplemental 101st‑round selection, both surrendered by the Titans.
• Brown’s four‑year, $100 million contract made him one of the highest‑paid wide receivers in the league at the time of signing.
• Burks was selected 18th overall and recorded a career‑high 4.3 yards per route run, still below league averages for a top‑tier receiver.
• Tennessee’s 2022 draft capital loss forced the team to reach for later‑round talent, ultimately selecting a defensive end in the second round who became a starter.
• The trade indirectly opened cap space that allowed the Titans to sign veteran linebacker Yannick Ngakoue in 2024, a move praised by the front office as a “cap‑flex” maneuver.

What does this mean for the Titans heading into 2026?

As the 2026 offseason approaches, the Titans must decide whether to double down on the wide‑receiver pipeline or trade remaining assets for proven talent. The lingering salary‑cap hit from Brown’s former contract still influences roster decisions, while Burks’ contract will become a negotiating point next spring. Front‑office brass acknowledge that the trade taught a harsh lesson about valuing proven production over draft potential, a perspective that could shape future free‑agency aggressiveness.