NFL Hurricanes: Artie Burns Agrees to a One-Year Contract with Miami Dolphins

NFL Hurricanes: Artie Burns Agrees to a One-Year Contract with Miami Dolphins

In a thrilling development for Miami sports fans, former University of Miami (UM) standout and current NFL cornerback Artie Burns has agreed to a one-year contract with the Miami Dolphins. This move brings Burns back to his hometown, marking a significant moment in both his career and for the Dolphins’ defense. Burns, who has played in the NFL for multiple seasons, spent his college years at UM, where he established himself as one of the top defensive backs in the nation. Now, after bouncing between teams in the NFL, Burns has a chance to return to South Florida and contribute to the Dolphins’ aspirations of returning to playoff contention.

This article will explore the significance of Burns’ return to Miami, examining his journey from UM to the NFL, his role with the Dolphins, and the impact he could have on the team’s defensive unit. Furthermore, we will consider the broader context of the Miami Dolphins’ offseason moves and how the addition of Burns might influence the defense as the team prepares for the upcoming season.

Artie Burns: A Star at the University of Miami

Artie Burns began his football career at the University of Miami, where he quickly became one of the standout players on the Hurricanes’ defense. During his time in Coral Gables, Burns developed a reputation as a lockdown cornerback with excellent speed, ball skills, and instincts. His ability to shut down opposing wide receivers and his knack for making key interceptions helped him become one of the top defensive prospects in college football.

Burns was a key contributor to a UM defense that was consistently among the best in the ACC, helping the Hurricanes establish themselves as a dominant force in college football. Over the course of his three years at Miami (2013–2015), Burns recorded 10 interceptions, 31 passes defensed, and two touchdowns, becoming a mainstay in the Hurricanes’ secondary. His performance on the field earned him numerous accolades, and he was named to several All-ACC teams during his college career.

Burns’ success at Miami caught the attention of NFL scouts, and after declaring for the NFL Draft following his junior year, he was selected by the Pittsburgh Steelers with the 25th overall pick in the first round of the 2016 NFL Draft. His selection marked the beginning of his professional career, and while Burns would go on to experience a series of ups and downs in the NFL, his time at UM remains one of the high points of his football journey.

The NFL Journey: A Rollercoaster Career

Burns entered the NFL with high expectations, and his early years with the Pittsburgh Steelers were marked by promise. As a rookie, Burns made an immediate impact, starting 14 games and recording three interceptions, including a pick-six. His blend of speed, agility, and playmaking ability made him one of the most exciting young cornerbacks in the league. For a moment, it appeared that Burns was on track for a standout career in the NFL.

However, Burns’ career would experience some setbacks. Injuries and inconsistent play, particularly in coverage, began to affect his development. After a solid start to his career, he struggled with consistency in his second and third seasons with the Steelers, and he eventually lost his starting job. Burns would continue to work hard to refine his craft, but by 2019, the Steelers opted not to pick up his fifth-year option, which effectively signaled the end of his tenure with the team.

After his time in Pittsburgh, Burns went on to have short stints with the Chicago Bears and the Carolina Panthers, where he continued to showcase his talents as a depth cornerback. Despite showing flashes of his potential, Burns struggled to secure a long-term starting role, and his journey in the NFL became one of perseverance. However, despite these struggles, Burns remained a reliable option as a backup cornerback, capable of stepping in and contributing when needed.

For most players, bouncing between teams without securing a consistent starting role could be a frustrating experience, but Burns’ career was far from over. While his time as a starter in the NFL might not have been as long-lasting as he had hoped, the veteran cornerback was given a new opportunity in 2023 with the Miami Dolphins, allowing him to return to the place where his football journey first took flight.

The Miami Dolphins: A Team on the Rise

The Miami Dolphins are in the midst of a rebuilding phase that has seen them gradually improve over the past few seasons. Under head coach Mike McDaniel, the Dolphins have focused on creating a balanced and competitive team, particularly on offense, with Tua Tagovailoa leading the way at quarterback. In 2022, the Dolphins made their first playoff appearance since 2016, signaling that the team is on the right path toward being a consistent playoff contender.

The addition of Artie Burns to the Miami Dolphins’ roster adds another layer of depth to an already talented defense. The Dolphins’ defensive unit, which has been one of the team’s strongest features in recent seasons, features a mix of proven veterans and young playmakers. Miami’s defense is led by standout players like Xavien Howard, a two-time Pro Bowler and one of the top cornerbacks in the NFL, and Jaelan Phillips, an emerging star in the pass rush.

In 2022, the Dolphins finished the season ranked 15th in total defense, with improvements needed in areas like the pass rush and consistency in coverage. While the Dolphins’ defense was capable of making big plays, they often struggled to maintain consistency over the course of games. The addition of Artie Burns could be just what the defense needs to continue its development and enhance its ability to compete against high-powered offenses.

Burns’ Role with the Miami Dolphins

Burns’ addition to the Dolphins’ roster will likely help provide depth to the cornerback position and bolster the secondary. Miami’s defense is known for its aggressive nature, with defensive coordinator Vic Fangio leading the charge. Fangio is known for his complex defensive schemes and his ability to put players in a position to make plays. While Burns may not be a starting cornerback, his veteran presence and experience will be invaluable as he provides depth in the secondary and contributes to the defensive back rotation.

Xavien Howard and Byron Jones are the clear starters at cornerback for the Dolphins, and both are excellent players capable of shutting down top wide receivers. However, having a reliable third option like Burns will help the Dolphins maintain their defensive strength in the face of injuries or fatigue throughout the long NFL season. Burns, with his experience in both man-to-man and zone coverage, will provide the Dolphins with flexibility in their defensive schemes.

In addition to providing depth, Burns will also be able to mentor Miami’s younger cornerbacks, such as rookie Cam Smith and second-year players like Kader Kohou. Miami has invested heavily in building up its secondary, and Burns’ experience could prove essential in helping the young cornerbacks develop their skills and navigate the challenges of the NFL. His leadership both on and off the field will be crucial as the Dolphins’ secondary continues to grow and evolve.

Furthermore, Burns has a reputation as a physical cornerback who excels in run support and has an ability to cover ground quickly. His ability to step up and make crucial tackles in the open field will add to the Dolphins’ defensive versatility. As a depth player with the potential to make an impact in crucial moments, Burns will have a chance to showcase his skills and prove that he still has what it takes to contribute to a competitive NFL defense.

Impact on the Dolphins’ Defense

The addition of Artie Burns to the Miami Dolphins’ defense is a strategic move that adds depth and experience to a unit that is still in the process of solidifying its identity. The Dolphins’ defense has been a cornerstone of the team’s success in recent seasons, but they still need to address areas like consistency and coverage, particularly in the secondary. Burns’ experience and ability to play both outside and in the slot will allow the Dolphins to adapt to different offensive schemes.

The presence of Burns on the roster also reflects the Dolphins’ broader strategy to build a deep, balanced team. Miami’s front office, led by general manager Chris Grier, has made it a priority to bolster the defensive unit, with key acquisitions in both free agency and the draft. By bringing in Burns, the Dolphins add a player who knows what it takes to compete at a high level, and his experience could be pivotal as the defense faces off against some of the league’s best quarterbacks.

As the Dolphins prepare for the 2023 season, Burns’ signing is yet another piece in the puzzle of building a championship-contending team. Miami is already loaded with talent on both sides of the ball, and Burns’ ability to contribute as a depth cornerback will only make them stronger. With a solid defense, an explosive offense, and an experienced coaching staff, the Dolphins will be a team to watch as they aim to make a deeper playoff run.