Treylon Burks’ OTAs Opportunity: How Washington Commanders’ WR Could Reshape Their Offense
Washington Commanders wide receiver Treylon Burks enters Phase 2 of the team’s offseason program with a clear opportunity: prove he can be more than a rotational piece in an offense that desperately needs reliable playmakers. With the Commanders’ starting WR corps in flux, Burks’ performance in these voluntary workouts could determine whether he earns a permanent role in the 2026 season.
Why These OTAs Matter for Burks and Washington
The Commanders’ offseason has been defined by roster turnover at wide receiver. After drafting Terry McLaurin in 2020 and watching him develop into a Pro Bowl threat, Washington has struggled to find consistent production from their other pass-catchers. With Terry McLaurin now entering his prime and Jaxon Smith-Njigba emerging as a potential franchise cornerstone, the question becomes: What role does Burks play in this equation?
For Burks, these OTAs represent his first real chance to show Washington what he can do after a disappointing 2024 season where he managed just four receptions for 34 yards in five games. The 6-foot-2, 225-pound receiver came into the league as the 18th overall pick in 2022 but has spent his career bouncing between Tennessee and Washington, never quite finding his footing.
What makes this opportunity different? The Commanders’ coaching staff has made it clear they’re looking for a versatile receiver who can contribute in multiple roles – someone who can line up in the slot, press-manage against smaller corners, and create separation downfield. Burks’ college career at Arkansas, where he was named All-SEC First Team in 2021, suggests he has the physical tools to excel in these areas.
Burks’ Career Numbers: The Good and the Concerning
| Season | Team | Games | Starts | Rec | Yards | TDs | Avg |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2022 | Tennessee Titans | 11 | 6 | 33 | 444 | 1 | 13.4 |
| 2023 | Tennessee Titans | 11 | 9 | 16 | 221 | 0 | 13.8 |
| 2024 | Washington Commanders | 5 | 2 | 4 | 34 | 0 | 8.5 |
| 2025 | Washington Commanders | 8 | 3 | 10 | 130 | 1 | 13.0 |
| College (Arkansas) | – | 32 | 30 | 146 | 2,399 | 19 | 16.4 |
Burks’ career statistics show flashes of potential but also inconsistency. His college numbers suggest he has the physical tools to be a productive NFL receiver.
What Washington Needs from Their OTAs
The Commanders’ offensive scheme under head coach Dan Quinn has evolved significantly since Burks first arrived. Here’s what the coaching staff will be looking for from their wide receivers:
- Route-running consistency: Washington’s offense thrives on precise route execution. Burks will need to demonstrate he can run all 20 concepts without mistakes.
- Press-manage ability: Against smaller corners, Burks will need to show he can win matchups with his physicality and leverage.
- Red-zone production: With Terry McLaurin often targeted in the middle of the field, Burks could be the team’s primary short-area threat.
- Durability: The Commanders’ offense is physically demanding. Burks will need to show he can handle the wear and tear of a full NFL season.
Perhaps most importantly, Burks will need to prove he can be a reliable possession receiver – someone the offense can count on for 10-15 yards per catch in the red zone and intermediate areas. His college production in Arkansas’ high-powered offense suggests he has this ability, but he’ll need to show it consistently in practice.
Burks’ Journey: From Arkansas to Tennessee to Washington
Burks’ NFL journey has been one of potential and inconsistency. Drafted by the Titans with the 18th overall pick in 2022, he showed flashes of his college ability in his rookie season with 33 receptions for 444 yards. However, injuries and inconsistent production limited his impact in subsequent years.
When Washington acquired Burks in 2024, the Commanders were looking for a receiver who could provide depth and contribute in multiple roles. While his production has been limited, his physical tools and college background make him an intriguing project for the coaching staff.
What makes this offseason different is the opportunity presented by the Commanders’ roster construction. With Terry McLaurin now firmly established as the team’s No. 1 receiver and Jaxon Smith-Njigba developing into a potential franchise player, Washington has the flexibility to develop a second option rather than rushing a decision.
Burks’ First OTA Start: What to Watch For
In a recent video from the Commanders’ Phase 2 OTAs, Burks was named as a starter for the first time since joining the team. While the video doesn’t show his actual performance, it signals the coaching staff’s confidence in his ability to contribute at a higher level.
Key moments to watch for in these OTAs:
- Burks’ ability to win one-on-one matchups against Washington’s younger cornerbacks
- His route-running against different defensive schemes
- His chemistry with quarterback Jayden Daniels
- His physicality in contested catches
- His durability over multiple practice sessions
What This Means for Washington’s 2026 Season
The Commanders’ wide receiver situation is one of the most intriguing storylines in the NFL this offseason. With Terry McLaurin now fully healthy and emerging as an elite No. 1 receiver, Washington has the opportunity to develop their entire receiving corps around him.
If Burks can prove himself in these OTAs, he could emerge as the team’s No. 2 receiver – a role that would give him significant targets and the opportunity to develop into a reliable playmaker. This would free up Jaxon Smith-Njigba to develop as a potential third-down specialist and create a more balanced offensive attack.
However, if Burks struggles to make an impact, Washington may need to look elsewhere for their No. 2 receiver. The team has shown a willingness to invest in their offensive talent (as evidenced by their recent extension of Terry McLaurin), and they may be open to making another significant move at the position.
For Burks personally, this could be his last chance to prove he belongs in the NFL. At age 24, he’s still young enough to develop, but his career trajectory suggests he needs to show significant improvement to secure a long-term role with a team.
Key Questions About Burks’ Situation
Q: What are Phase 2 OTAs and why do they matter?
A: Phase 2 OTAs (Organized Team Activities) are voluntary workouts where players compete for roster spots. Unlike mandatory minicamps, OTAs allow players to showcase their skills without the pressure of official team status. For Burks, these workouts represent his best opportunity to prove he can contribute at a higher level than he has in the past.
Q: Could Burks be in line for a contract extension?
A: While the Commanders haven’t disclosed contract details, Burks’ performance in these OTAs could influence his long-term future with the team. If he shows significant improvement, Washington may be willing to invest in his development with a multi-year deal. However, without strong production, he may remain a rotational player or even a free agent after the season.
Q: How does Burks compare to other Commanders receivers?
A: Compared to Terry McLaurin (1,200+ receiving yards in 2025) and Jaxon Smith-Njigba (emerging as a reliable slot receiver), Burks has been the least productive option. However, his physical tools and college background suggest he has the potential to develop into a more significant contributor than his NFL stats would indicate.
How to Follow Burks’ Development
To stay updated on Treylon Burks’ progress and the Commanders’ wide receiver situation:
- Follow the team’s official website for practice reports
- Monitor the NFL’s official news page for injury updates
- Watch the team’s YouTube channel for OTA highlights
- Check official NFL stats for updated player metrics
What do you think – can Burks turn his OTA opportunity into a permanent role with the Commanders? Share your thoughts in the comments below.
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