The Pittsburgh Steelers have recently signed wide receiver Hakeem Butler, the XFL’s leading receiver in touchdown passes. Butler, a former fourth-round pick, was invited for a tryout at the Steelers’ rookie minicamp but did not attend. Despite his absence, the Steelers have decided to give him a chance to prove his worth.
Butler’s potential was hinted at before the rookie minicamp when Steelers general manager, Omar Khan, mentioned him as one of the team’s receiving options for 2023. Standing at 6-foot-5, Butler led the XFL with eight touchdown receptions, 51 catches, and 599 yards. He played for the St. Louis Battlehawks of the XFL and emerged as one of the top wide receivers in the league.
Before his stint in the XFL, Butler was selected by the Arizona Cardinals in the fourth round of the 2019 NFL Draft but was released before the 2020 season. Before leaving the NFL, he had brief stints with the Carolina Panthers and Philadelphia Eagles.
In 2022, Butler joined the CFL and played for the Edmonton Elks and British Columbia Lions at different points of the season. His best football performance was during his time in the XFL and his junior season at Iowa State in 2018, where he caught 60 receptions for 1,318 yards and eight touchdowns.
What impact will Butler have on the Steelers?
I believe the signing of Hakeem Butler is a strategic move by the Steelers. His impressive stats from the XFL indicate he has excellent potential. His height and catching ability could be a game-changer for the Steelers, especially in the red zone.
Moreover, adding Butler to the Steelers’ roster could significantly improve the depth of their receiving corps. With his experience and proven track record in the XFL, Butler could provide much-needed support and potentially step up as a critical player in crucial moments.
Butler’s journey, from the NFL to the XFL and CFL, and now back to the NFL, is a story of resilience and determination. It’s a reminder that setbacks are just setups for comebacks. His signing with the Steelers is not just a win for the team but also a personal victory for Butler. I’m excited to see how this new chapter unfolds for Butler and the Steelers.