He may not have spent much time with the Pittsburgh Steelers, but wide receiver Hakeem Butler is officially attempting a comeback. The veteran has remained active in football through the United Football League after his failed attempt to return to the NFL, including in 2023 with Pittsburgh.
Since then, he has emerged as one of the league’s top performers and could even be considered the best receiver the UFL has ever seen.
According to Mike Garafolo, the Denver Broncos were impressed by Hakeem Butler’s performance in the UFL this past season and have signed him to a deal. While the highly regarded spring football standout, he should not be expected to make an immediate impact in Denver. With time not on his side, his chances of making a comeback at the next level are quickly running out.
Making the Broncos’ roster will not be an easy task for Butler, as their wide receiver group, much like Pittsburgh’s, is loaded with talent. That said, it is not out of the question for the UFL standout to earn a spot on the depth chart. He possesses all the size and athleticism needed to succeed, but for one reason or another, Hakeem Butler has yet to stick at the NFL level.
Ex-Pittsburgh Steelers WR Hakeem Butler lands comeback after long-standing UFL stardom
For those who may not remember, Hakeem Butler signed with the Pittsburgh Steelers in 2023 and had a strong chance of making the roster. He was coming off a standout season in spring football, but for one reason or another, he was unable to make enough plays during training camp. Pittsburgh ultimately released him, and he returned to spring football, where he built a standout reputation.
Since being released by Pittsburgh, Butler has had another opportunity to stick in the NFL.
The Cincinnati Bengals signed him in 2024, but he was unable to make their final roster. He did not generate much interest last year and went unsigned. As a result, his chances of returning to the NFL are quickly narrowing. This latest opportunity with the Broncos may be one of his final chances to earn a spot in an NFL training camp.
At 30 years old, it is difficult to envision the veteran playmaker having much left in the tank.
His physical profile is similar to DK Metcalf’s, as both possess impressive size and speed. However, Butler is significantly older, and that explosiveness will eventually decline. The UFL has played a key role in keeping his football career alive, but his age is now working against him and could become a significant obstacle in his pursuit of other potential NFL opportunities.
It never made much sense for the Steelers to bring Hakeem Butler back, given the depth of talent they already have at wide receiver.
His size and ability to create separation with his speed are what initially intrigued Pittsburgh in 2023, and those same traits continue to earn the UFL standout opportunities. However, with his age and multiple unsuccessful comeback attempts, his chances could finally run out if he fails to make an impact in Denver.
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