May 1, 2025
ANALYSISBurks' fifth-year option being declined is no surprise, given that he's currently working his way back from an ACL tear suffered Week 6 of the 2024 season, and when healthy had failed to secure a top three role behind
Calvin Ridley,
Nick Westbrook-Ikhine and
Tyler Boyd. Westbrook-Ikhine and Boyd have since parted ways with Tennessee, though the team added
Tyler Lockett and
Van Jefferson as experienced options to complement Ridley for new franchise quarterback
Cam Ward. Per
Turron Davenport of ESPN.com, head coach Brian Callahan stressed the necessity of Burks hitting the ground running and making plays once he's returned to full health when addressing the media Tuesday.