Treylon Burks is pushing Commanders toward a decision they didn’t expect

The Washington Commanders dropped to 4-11 after their loss to the Philadelphia Eagles in Week 16. Still, there are at least a few players who made a positive impact on an otherwise underwhelming evening. One of them was wide receiver Treylon Burks.

The Commanders led at halftime, but veteran quarterback Marcus Mariota left in the third quarter with a hand injury. After that, it felt like Washington never even had a chance. Josh Johnson went 5-for-9 for 43 passing yards and threw an interception as the game got away from Washington.

Before that, it was a dogfight. One of the highlights of the game for Washington was the first play of the third quarter, when Burks reeled in an impressive 24-yard diving grab.

Treylon Burks' flashes are enough for the Commanders to extend him this offseason

Burks caught two passes for 30 receiving yards, including the high-water mark of Washington's afternoon. It's far from the first time he's made a highlight-reel play this season.

His number hasn't been called very often, but Burks has consistently delivered this year when it has. At this point, the former Arkansas college star done more than enough to show he deserves to be back on the Commanders again in 2026.

Burks was taken No. 18 overall by the Tennessee Titans in 2022. He struggled to meet expectations during his three seasons with the AFC South club and also had a hard time staying on the field. He was released in October, following a 2024 campaign in which he appeared in only five games and caught four passes for 34 yards.

The ex-Razorback was highly regarded throughout the draft process for his size and athleticism, but was drafted into a deteriorating situation in Tennessee to replace A.J. Brown. The Commanders picked him up after their receiver room was decimated by injuries, and he's proved himself to be at least a solid depth contributor with untapped upside.

Sometimes, all a player needs is a fresh start.

Burks is only 25, making him an essential piece for a Commanders team lacking youth across its roster. With a full offseason to get settled in and — ideally — a fully healthy Jayden Daniels throwing him the ball in 2026, he could take his game to new heights.

The wideout won't cost much for the Commanders to keep, as he's currently playing on a one-year deal worth just north of $1 million. Adam Peters needs to open his checkbook again to retain the player before he gets the chance to test the open market.