Steelers WR Hakeem Butler's 53-Man Roster Chances Continue To Rise After Release Of Veteran WR

It hasn't been an easy journey for Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver, Hakeem Butler. Drafted in the fourth round of the 2019 NFL Draft, the Iowa State product dealt with several injuries in his first few seasons in the NFL. He was then tried out at tight end and things didn't stick there either. That led him to a second chance opportunity in the XFL where he thrived.

After the impressive campaign, it put NFL teams on notice. The Steelers signed him just over a month ago and now it seems like he's on track to possibly make the 53-man roster. The team will likely carry six wideouts for the season, as the top four spots are locked in (barring injury or something unforeseen). One of Butler's biggest competitors for one of those final two (or three) spots, Anthony Miller, is on his way out of Pittsburgh. 

He posted a cryptic tweet thanking the city of Pittsburgh on Monday, and the team officially released him on Tuesday. Miller was a training camp standout with the team in 2022 before suffering a season-ending shoulder injury. He was brought back in January, but he was recently dealing with another injury. 

That likely ultimately led to his release, but some other wideouts have impressed this summer as well. Butler has been one of them, as his 6'5" frame has stood out at OTAs and now, minicamp. He's earned rave reviews over the past few weeks, as his stock has risen accordingly since. Chris Adamski of the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review warns fans to temper the expectations though.

"Butler can look like a star in practice and when evaluating his measurables. He certainly has looked the part over his six weeks with the Steelers, and it’s happened his whole pro career. But at age 27, he’s yet to show it on the field during a pro game aside from a strong spring for the XFL’s St. Louis Battlehawks. So it would be foolish to get too caught up in the Butler hype in May and June. Make him show it at least during a preseason game in August or when the games mean something in September."

Other wideouts have impressed as well, which probably eased the front office's decision to cut Miller. Dez Fitzpatrick had a practice in which he had a few touchdowns just a few weeks ago. That could be another sleeper at the wideout position, although he seems like more of a practice squad candidate. Adamski pointed out another standout from minicamp thus far in Jordan Byrd out of San Diego State. 

Who will be the Steelers' returner in 2023?

Listed as a wide receiver, Byrd is a dangerous return man as well. While they have a few options, the Steelers don't have a clear returner at the moment, however. Gunner Olszewski remains on the roster, but he was benched just a month into his Steelers career in 2022 after some miscues in the return game.

Calvin Austin III could possibly make some noise on special teams, but he's inexperienced and the team may want to keep him healthy for offense. A year ago, teams almost certainly would keep return-specific players on their roster. Now, with the recent rule changes to kickoffs, things may change a little bit. For Byrd, he may have to prove to have some sort of value on offense if he wants to make the 53-man roster. He didn't do much of that in college, as he was primarily known for his return skills. 

On the flip side, Butler may also have to prove that he can play special teams. As we know, Head Coach Mike Tomlin loves when his guys can contribute to that aspect of the team. It's what makes a guy like four-year veteran Miles Boykin a likely candidate to make the roster. Regardless, Butler is making some noise, and the release of Miller helps him tremendously.