ESPN analyst, Bill Barnwell, says that the Eagles should try to trade for Steelers former 1st round pick, Artie Burns.
Bill Barnwell of ESPN recently wrote an article on offseason agendas for each NFL team. For the Philadelphia Eagles, Barnwell said they should attempt to trade for Steelers cornerback, Artie Burns.
The Eagles signed L.J. Fort this offseason, and as part of the draft compensation formula, Pittsburgh would like Fort to remain on the Eagles roster this season. With a lack of depth at the cornerback position, would the Eagles seriously consider this trade?
Here’s what Barnwell had to say:
"…Howie Roseman is one of the most creative general managers in the league. He also loves trades and taking shots on cheap cornerbacks with upside. The Steelers have one of those in the former first-round pick (Artie) Burns, who took a massive downturn in his third season and was benched for the second half of 2018. Pittsburgh declined Burns’ fifth-year option and replaced him with Nelson, so he’s not long for the roster. The Eagles, on the other hand, might very well want to take a flier on a player who looked like a starting-caliber cornerback in 2017. Could the Eagles and Steelers work out a deal whereby Burns heads to Philadelphia for a sixth-round pick and the Eagles (make a gentleman’s) promise to keep Fort on their roster all year, therefore locking in the Bell compensatory pick?"
The thought process behind this trade scenario is intriguing. The Pittsburgh Steelers brought in Steven Nelson this offseason and drafted Michigan State cornerback, Justin Layne. Artie Burns will no doubt be buried behind at least 4 cornerbacks (Joe Haden, Steven Nelson, Justin Layne, Mike Hilton) on the depth chart.
Burns is certainly not a lock to make the team in 2019, as he finds himself in a very similar situation former Browns 1st round cornerback, Justin Gilbert. Ironically enough, the Steelers traded a 6th round draft choice to acquire a former 1st round talent in Gilbert, who ultimately didn’t pan out. Perhaps the Eagles will consider doing the same for Artie Burns.
As a former 1st round draft choice, it’s always hard for the front office to give up on someone they have invested so much stock in. However, Burns has hit rock bottom in Pittsburgh – benched in favor of 30-year old journeyman, Coty Sensabaugh last season.
If the Steelers could circulate a deal that would include getting a 6th round draft pick in exchange for Artie Burns, they should do so instantly. Draft capital at this point would be better than anything Pittsburgh could expect out of their 2016 1st round pick from here on out.