The Miami Dolphins are on a mission this offseason, scouring the free agency landscape to fortify their roster. As week two of free agency unfolds, they are laser-focused on addressing crucial gaps, particularly in the secondary, offensive line, and defensive line.
The team’s latest move to tackle that secondary need? Reportedly signing Artie Burns, a former Seattle Seahawks cornerback and Pittsburgh Steelers first-round pick, this move adds a layer to their ongoing construction project.
Artie Burns, a name that resonates with NFL history but with a career path marked by ups and downs, is now set to join the Dolphins. Drafted 25th overall back in 2016, Burns showed initial promise during his rookie year with the Steelers by starting in 9 of 16 games, snagging 3 interceptions.
It was a debut that hinted at potential greatness but, unfortunately, became the high point of his career. Since then, he’s struggled to maintain that shine, with his last interception dating back to the 2017 season.
The signing of Burns aligns with a particular pattern the Dolphins seem to follow, bringing in veterans with something to prove, albeit with a dose of injury concerns. Over the past four seasons, Burns has split his time between Seattle and Chicago, participating in 32 games and starting only 7 of them. Last season alone saw him battling for mere playtime with just four appearances.
As for the Dolphins’ strategy under General Manager Chris Grier, some fans might find themselves scratching their heads. Miami has shown a tendency to gamble on players who are battling injury histories. It’s a risky approach that could either pay off big time or leave the Dolphins scrambling if those injury issues resurface during the season.
In a broader strategic sense, Burns could represent a contingency rather than a cornerstone. With the NFL Draft looming next month, the Dolphins might very well be eyeing a young cornerback with one of their early picks, priming to inject fresh talent into their lineup. Burns could be the seasoned backup, ready to step up in case the draft doesn’t unfold as planned.
The Dolphins are making calculated moves, each signing a piece of their larger puzzle. Only time will tell if these veteran additions will spark a resurgence or simply serve as stopgaps on their path to a rebuilt roster. For now, Miami fans can watch eagerly as their team continues to shape its future, one strategic signing at a time.
