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Is former first-round pick ready to be Commanders' WR2?

Of course, Terry McLaurin is the Washington Commanders' WR1, but who is WR2?

Even more, you might not be out of line if you have concluded that after the 2025 season, you don't believe there really is a WR2 for the Commanders presently. There is so much upbeat talk about Treylon Burks, but other than one fantastic catch, would anyone in the Commanders fan base be "excited" about Burks?

I'm not trying to be a jerk, not trying to simply get clicks. Yes, I want and hope that Treylon Burks comes through and enjoys his best NFL season to date this fall. Yes, it was a fantastic catch by Burks in the Sunday Night Football home loss to the Broncos at Northwest Stadium. But is it possible that one play, either good or bad, is how entirely too many define a player?

There is no question that Burks has the best resume among the Commanders' receivers attempting to be the WR2 this upcoming season. Remember, Burks was selected 18th overall in the 2022 by the Tennessee Titans, coming from the Arkansas Razorbacks. Deebo Samuel led the Commanders with 72 receptions in 2025, but he remains an unsigned free agent. Then there are Noah Brown, Chris Moore, Robbie Chosen, and Tay Martin, all receivers in 2025, but all not invited back by the Burgundy and Gold.

What do the Commanders have returning at receiver in 2026 from the 2025 team? McLaurin, who had his least productive year by far, due to his holdout, then hold-in, and the injury. McLaurin's 38 receptions lead in those returning. Think about that. Others returning are Jaylin Lane (16), Luke McCaffrey (11), Burks 10, and Jacoby Jones (1). That's it? That's it.

Back to Burks. After being selected in the 18th round by the Titans, Burks has played only 35 games in his four NFL seasons, with 63 total receptions and a mere two touchdowns. So Burks has averaged 8.75 games, 15.75 receptions, and .5 touchdowns per season. Burks, last season for Washington, played 8 games, collecting 10 receptions, 130 receiving yards (13.0), and yes, the one spectacular touchdown catch.

There is good cause why GM Adam Peters has provided Burks only a one-year prove-it deal. The former first-round pick, now in his fifth season, could only generate a reported $2.4M deal. Burks does have size at 6-foot-2, 225 pounds. Can he become a big target effective over the middle? Can he contribute his size in the running game as well, springing running backs for much larger gains?

It's an opportunity for Burks; let's hope the young man can have his most productive season thus far in his five years in the NFL.

This article originally appeared on Commanders Wire: Washington Commanders: Is Treylon Burks ready to be WR2?

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