Steelers should reunite with their former first-round cornerback bust

The NFL made their roster cuts yesterday, and a slew of new names have now become available for the Steelers to potentially sign. While their initial roster has been set with quite a few surprises, there are still needs that this team should address.

Much of the focus has been on the receiver room. While I understand the logic, I can’t say that I am convinced a major receiver needs to be added still. Instead, I think the secondary could use some help, and there are some major question marks on special teams right now.

Though his name likely leaves a bad taste in your mouth, Artie Burns could make some sense for this team.

The Steelers first-round pick in 2016 never developed into the superstar many hoped he would. Instead, he struggled to develop and was lumped in the “worst first-round picks” lists that would pop up for the Steelers.

Steelers could reunite with Artie Burns

Burns has managed to stick around in the NFL though. He hasn’t been a consistent starter, instead serving as a depth player and special teams ace for mainly the Seahawks, but he has found a way to last. That is impressive considering just how bad he was while in Pittsburgh.

The difference now is that you aren’t bringing him in to be the starter or even the main backup for the defense. He would slot in nicely as the fourth outside cornerback and serve mainly on special teams. He is a better fit there than a guy like Darius Rush, who failed to play great this offseason and was mediocre on special teams.

The Steelers have shown a willingness to reunite with former first-round picks. They brought back Plaxico Burress a few years back to have him serve as depth. Again, this move wouldn’t be expected to yield any major returns, but if Burns can serve as a depth player core special teamer after having busted out with the team would provide the team some additional value for a player they sorely misjudged.

There are better pure special teams options out there, but Burns has shown to have developed as a coverage player as well. While it wouldn’t be ideal, he could sub in if major injuries hit the cornerback room. Given the needs on special teams and Burns fit, a reunion between the two makes some sense before the NFL season kicks off.