The Miami Dolphins have bolstered their cornerback lineup by signing former University of Miami standout Artie Burns, according to several reports. This move keeps the team on the lookout for a definitive starter to play alongside Jalen Ramsey. Burns, who was a first-round pick by the Pittsburgh Steelers in 2018, spent 2024 with the Seattle Seahawks—his third team in the NFL.
Selected 25th overall due to his impressive stature (6 feet, 187 pounds) and outstanding speed, Burns has struggled to make a significant impact in the league. Over his eight-season career spanning 90 games, he has tallied four interceptions and defended 38 passes. Since his debut, opposing quarterbacks have recorded a passer rating of 124.3 when targeting him. After the Steelers opted not to extend his contract for the 2020 season, Burns tore his ACL and missed the entire year.
He subsequently joined the Chicago Bears as a free agent for one season before moving to the Seahawks. Starting the last two seasons on Seattle’s practice squad, Burns was promoted to the active roster in 2023. In 2024, while on the practice squad, he was called up for four games, during which he excelled by allowing only three completions out of seven targets, as reported by Pro Football Reference.
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In Miami, Burns will vie for a role among a group of cornerbacks that includes Ramsey and nickel corner Kader Kohou. Other competitors include Ethan Bonner, Storm Duck, waiver acquisition Roy Cooper Jr., and Cam Smith, a second-round pick from 2023, along with 2024 practice squad members Isaiah Johnson and Jason Maitre.
The Dolphins are likely to acquire a more seasoned cornerback to assume a starting position, potentially through free agency or the 2025 NFL Draft. This addition aims to fill the void left by veteran Kendall Fuller, who was released in mid-February after a single season with the Dolphins.