The Washington Commanders are struggling to find positives from a season that quickly went down the road to disaster. However, one NFL analyst believes the flashes displayed by wide receiver Treylon Burks since joining the club are worth another go-around in 2026.
Burks had plenty of interest after his abrupt departure from the Tennessee Titans. They set him up to fail. Injuries didn't help his cause, either. The Commanders are gradually rebuilding his confidence, and he's responding positively despite having no real, consistent quarterback presence to depend on.
One could point to his highlight-reel touchdown grab against the Denver Broncos as a reason for optimism. Burks is also flashing considerable promise as a blocker, and his physical skill set is something the Commanders don't have at their disposal right now.
Commanders urged to give Treylon Burks another chance in 2026
Keeping him around should be relatively straightforward if those in power decide to do so. Bailey Bassett from Clutch Points is among the growing crowd that believes Burks deserves another shot to prove his worth from a starting capacity.
"If [Treylon] Burks can remain healthy, there is a path for him to become a long-term starter with the Commanders. Deebo Samuel and Terry McLaurin are the top two options, but there isn't a third receiver to write home about. Jayden Daniels had a rough sophomore campaign, but he was the Offensive Rookie of the Year last season, and he should return to form next year."Bailey Bassett
The point about Jayden Daniels not being available right now is a good one. Burks is tough to evaluate without Washington's franchise player leading the charge. The fact that he's made things happen with Marcus Mariota and Josh Johnson under center speaks volumes. And if he gets the chance to hone chemistry with the No. 2 pick in 2024 throughout the summer, additional growth is sure to arrive.
Burks deserves a bit of good fortune. He's stayed relatively injury-free since arriving in Washington, which is arguably the most significant positive of all. Nobody should have been expecting miracles from the former Arkansas standout after everything he's been through in recent years, but there is now light at the end of the tunnel.
With only Terry McLaurin, Luke McCaffrey, and fourth-round rookie Jaylin Lane guaranteed to be back in Washington's wideout room next season, Burks stands a good chance of getting a one-year, prove-it deal that doesn't cost the earth. And who knows, perhaps this could provide the catalyst for the 2022 first-round pick finally fulfill his potential.
Stranger things have happened, that's for sure.