Artie Burns’ time with the Steelers might be shorter than anyone envisioned

In the 2016 NFL Draft, the Steelers selected Artie Burns, cornerback from the University of Miami. For those of us who follow the draft, and the lead up to the draft, closely, you remember what transpired before the Steelers made their pick. The Steelers had their sites on William Jackson III from Houston, but when the Cincinnati Bengals pulled the rug out from underneath their feet, it seemed like Burns wasn’t just a reach, but a knee jerk reaction.

Nonetheless, Burns played in all 16 games his rookie season and even registered three interceptions throughout that campaign. What happened next season was a steady decline in production. Everything from tackles to interceptions dropped, and it only got worse in 2018. Last year Burns was known more for jumping offsides multiple times on field goal blocking situations, than his play as a defensive back. Whenever he saw the field he became the immediate target for the opposing quarterback.

It got so bad Coty Sensabaugh eventually took over as the starter, and Burns was left with nothing more than special teams and mop up duties in the secondary.

This offseason was an important one for Burns, and it got off to a rocky start when the Steelers declined his 5th year option. But this might not be the worst news Burns hears this offseason. Now, Ed Bouchette of The Athletic is reporting the Steelers might consider cutting Burns outright before training camp to save them $800,00.

Burns could bounce back, show more confidence and become the player the Steelers thought they drafted, but right now things look rough. Throw in the fact the Steelers drafted Justin Layne in the third round of the 2019 NFL Draft, and it seems as if the organization is preparing for the future at cornerback, whether that includes Burns has yet to be determined.

What do you think the future holds for Burns? Will he make the 53-man roster this year and play out the final year of his rookie contract? Will he be cut before training camp to save some cash? Or will he go through training camp and then be released/traded?

Let us know by voting in the poll below, and be sure to explain yourself in the comment section below!