Dan Quinn is happy with the way the Washington Commanders are reshaping their depth chart at wide receiver, after the team released a 1,000-yard receiver in readiness for a former first-round NFL draft pick to suit up against the Denver Broncos in Week 13.
Quinn talked up Treylon Burks on Friday, November 28, admitting about the 18th player drafted in 2022, “If there was a hunger index his would be really high,” per ESPN’s John Keim.
Those comments were made on the same day the Commanders cut ties with Burks’ fellow wideout Robbie Chosen. His release was reported by Aaron Wilson of KPRC 2 Houston.
Chosen is a veteran deep threat with a 1,096-yard season on his career CV. Yet, he’s also somebody who’s hopped on and off the roster for the Commanders in recent weeks.
Burks has also been on the fringes, but the 25-year-old remains a size mismatch with intriguing after-catch skills. Somebody who can provide the spark the Commanders are still missing in their passing game, even after the return of star No. 1 target Terry McLaurin.
Treylon Burks Offers Commanders More Upside than Robbie Chosen
There’s a reason the Commanders initially planned to waste no time using Burks, because he offers greater upside to a pass offense built to stockpile yards after the catch. Chosen can still stretch the field, but leaning on YAC is the only way to travel while veteran backup Marcus Mariota continues to start ahead of injured franchise quarterback Jayden Daniels.
Mariota will appreciate Burks’ potential to put his ample 6-foot-2, 225-pound frame to use and become a running back after the catch. That’s always been the theory enticing enough to tease NFL coaches into believing Burks can make it, and Quinn isn’t hiding his confidence in the former Tennessee Titans receiver.
Burks is in the right offense, and he’s been cleared for action after a finger injury curtailed his introduction to coordinator Kliff Kingsbury’s scheme, per RotoWire (h/t CBS Sports). It’s a chance for Burks to build on the three catches and 58 yards he tallied in a Commanders uniform against the Detroit Lions in Week 10.
He’s caught all four of the targets he’s gotten since joining the Commanders, but Burks will have to work harder for snaps now the team is finally getting healthy at his position.
Commanders Starting to Get Healthy at Wide Receiver
Having McLaurin, All-Pro wideout Deebo Samuel and “Hail Maryland” hero Noah Brown back at practice together offered a rare boost to the Commanders this season. Their offense has been ravaged by injuries, nowhere more than in the receiver room.
Deficiencies at the position have hampered both Daniels and Mariota. Kingsbury has tried to manufacture plays for journeyman Chris Moore and rookie Jaylin Lane, but the results have been far from inspiring.
What the Commanders need are more contributions from bluechip talent. McLaurin can provide it as a legitimate burner outside the numbers.
His skills as a deep threat probably explain the decision to release Chosen, while Samuel is the ideal template for Burks to follow as a run-and-catch playmaker who can strike from anywhere.
If Burks can finally figure it out, the Commanders will be closer to finally having a contingent of receivers dynamic enough to help a healthy Daniels further his development on the watch of a key new coach.
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