Batko: Steelers' Hakeem Butler Will Need To Quickly Turn Things Around If He Hopes To Make The 53-Man Roster

There were few players the Pittsburgh Steelers signed during the 2023 offseason that had more intrigue than former XFL standout, Hakeem Butler. Originally a fourth-round pick by the Arizona Cardinals in 2019, Butler has struggled to solidly himself on an NFL roster. This inability certainly does not come from a lack of size, as the Steelers wide receiver is an absolute specimen, standing 6'5" and weighing well over 220 pounds. While many fans hoped Butler would use this to his advantage and become a featured component of the team's offense in 2023, it is beginning to look like this will not end up being the case according to one insider.

Butler has certainly had his moments thus far in training camp where he has looked impressive, but much of this has been overshadowed by his inconsistency with catching the football. Brian Batko, writer for the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, highlighted this sentiment during a chat transcript posted on 08/07/2023. 

"I'm very much intrigued by [Butler's] size and ability to make the highlight reel catch, but his inconsistency on routine plays is troubling. He's a hard guy to quit. That's why several NFL teams have given him a shot. I just don't see it though."

Steelers Have An Incredibly Deep Wide Receiver Room 

Apart from the inconsistency in Latrobe, perhaps the biggest contributing factor as to why Butler may be a long-shot to crack the 53-man roster is the Steelers' depth at wide receiver. The team's top-four players at the position, Diontae Johnson, George Pickens, Allen Robinson, and Calvin Austin III are locks, leaving only one, possibly two openings for other players on the roster. 

Gunner Olszewski and Miles Boykin, who both spent the 2022 season with the Steelers, are likely the two most likely pass catchers to round out the group, but are in need of a strong performance in the preseason to stick around. Dez Fitzpatrick and Cody White are also viable candidates to fight for a roster spot. 

Can Butler Still Push For A Roster Spot? 

Things have not gotten off to a perfect start for Butler thus far, but there is still reason to believe that he can turn things around. His best opportunity to do so will come in preseason action. While it is unknown at this time if he will receive any snaps with the starting offense, he is perhaps only a few big plays away from showing why he is deserving of making the Steelers' 53-man roster in 2023. During his time in the XFL with the St. Louis Battlehawks, he had quite a few memorable moments that helped create the opportunity to return to the NFL.