Titans' Jeffery Simmons praises rookie QB Cam Ward in July 2025, calling him 'legit' as Treylon Burks trade rumors swirl. Is a new era dawning in Tennessee?
StatPro NFL Beat Reporter
In a powerful statement that echoed through the Titans facility, defensive stalwart Jeffery Simmons put the entire league on notice about rookie quarterback Cam Ward. Forget the typical rookie adjustments; Simmons declared the No. 1 overall pick is 'legit' and backed it up with a story of a jaw-dropping 80-yard touchdown pass to Calvin Ridley in practice. As one era officially begins with a bang, another appears to be ending, with reports surfacing that former first-round pick Treylon Burks is on the trade block.
'This gonna be one of the ones that I'm excited to see.' - Jeffery Simmons on rookie QB Cam Ward.
You can't buy an endorsement like the one Cam Ward received today. Team captain and defensive tackle Jeffery Simmons didn't just offer generic praise; he painted a vivid picture of a confident, talented leader ready to take the reins. Simmons recounted a practice moment where, after some friendly trash talk, Ward calmly silenced him by launching an 80-yard bomb to Calvin Ridley for a touchdown. For a rookie QB, earning that level of respect from a veteran leader on the other side of the ball before training camp even begins is massive. It speaks volumes about Ward's arm talent, his moxie, and his potential to be the franchise-altering player the Titans desperately need.
As the hype builds for the new Ward-to-Ridley connection, the sun seems to be setting on Treylon Burks's time in Tennessee. Reports emerged today that the 2022 first-round pick is squarely on the trade block. After three underwhelming seasons, and with the team adding a fleet of new receivers like Calvin Ridley, Tyler Lockett, and Van Jefferson, Burks has become the 'odd man out.' It's a classic case of a new regime cleaning house and moving on from the draft misses of the past. A potential trade for a late-round pick seems likely before the season, marking a disappointing end to a once-promising tenure.
While the quarterback and receiver news dominated headlines, the front office continued its meticulous roster overhaul in the backfield. The team waived running back Tyrion Davis-Price and signed Jordan Mims in a corresponding move. While not a blockbuster trade, this transaction is significant. It demonstrates that no position is safe and that the team is committed to churning the bottom of the roster to find the best possible depth and competition behind their primary ball carriers. It's another small piece of the larger puzzle: building a complete 53-man roster to support their new franchise quarterback.
Thursday's news was a perfect snapshot of the 2025 Tennessee Titans: immense excitement for a new era led by Cam Ward, coupled with the tough business of moving on from past disappointments like Treylon Burks. Every move, from a captain's endorsement to a depth chart swap at running back, signals a clear direction. As training camp approaches, the message from the front office is clear: the future is now, and every single roster spot is up for grabs. Get ready, Titans fans, this is just the beginning of the Cam Ward show.
