Steelers sign XFL standout Hakeem Butler
The NFL can be a shrewd business at times, living by the cliche "What have you done for me lately." But this time of year is all about hope, optimism, and in this case, second chances. Well, as it turns out, the Steelers have hit for the cycle with their latest signing, adding former NFL […]
The NFL can be a shrewd business at times, living by the cliche "What have you done for me lately."
But this time of year is all about hope, optimism, and in this case, second chances.
Well, as it turns out, the Steelers have hit for the cycle with their latest signing, adding former NFL WR turned XFL standout Hakeem Butler, and on his birthday nonetheless.
Butler was selected by the Arizona Cardinals in the fourth round of the 2019 NFL Draft out of Iowa State where he took the nation by storm in his final season for the Cyclones, recording an impressive 60 catches for over 1300 yards and nine touchdowns on an absurd 22 yards per catch average.
He would then blow away the scouting community at the 2019 NFL Combine, with ludicrous pre-draft measurables and testing numbers including:
- Height: 6'5" 3/8
- Weight: 227 lb
- Arm length: 35 1/4 in
- Hand size: 10 3⁄4 in
- 40-yard dash time: 4.48 s
- Vertical jump: 36 in
- Broad jump: 10 ft 8 in
- Bench press: 18 reps
Evaluators cited concerns about his ability to transition to the NFL and durability causing him to slip to day three of the draft. The latter would unfortunately come true, as Butler missed his entire rookie season with a hand injury and was released by Arizona before ever taking a snap.
He then had stints with the Panthers and Eagles, but they experimenetd with him as a tight end more than a receiver and Butler soon found himself in the Canandian Football League before being drafted by the St. Louis Battlehawks in the XFL's supplemental draft.
Butler dominated in the reimaged version of this springs XFL, leading the league in touchdown receptions with eight and seemingly making highlight catches on the regular.
Butler will obviously have an uphill climb to make the roster and edge his way into a crowded and underrated wide receiver room in my opinion, but the upside is there.
Just turning 27 today, Butler could very well be a late bloomer and provide value depth as he finishes the prime of his career. The main question is health and if he can prove durable through the offseason.
If he can continue to build on the momentum from the XFL, and make an impression where it matters this summer, it's not impossible to envsion a scenario where Butler is wearing black and gold come September.
