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Steelers Invite XFL Receiving TDs Leader to Rookie Minicamp

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Steelers Hakeem Butler

The Steelers are inviting St. Louis Battlehawks wide receiver Hakeem Butler to their rookie minicamp, according to the XFL.

Butler leads the XFL with a league-best 8 touchdown receptions on 51 receptions for 599 yards. The 6-foot-5 wide receiver joined the Battlehawks late in the process but has caught on as one of the best receivers in the entire league. Now, Pittsburgh will give him an opportunity.

Out of Iowa State in 2019, Butler ran a 4.48 40-yard dash before being picked in the fourth round of the draft by the Arizona Cardinals. Over the next few years, however, Butler would bounce around teams, joining the Panthers and Eagles at different points. He tried to convert to tight end in Philadelphia but the experiment was short-lived.

Meanwhile, he tried the CFL in 2022, joining the Edmonton Elks and British Columbia Lions at different points. His stint with the Battlehawks is by far the most productive year he has put up since his days with the Cyclones. In his Junior season in 2018, he racked up 1318 receiving yards on 60 receptions and 9 touchdowns there.

Pittsburgh has yet to sign an undrafted free agent and they did not draft a wide receiver after trading for Allen Robinson II just weeks before the draft. As such, there is the possibility that they could add someone, and Butler could fill the big slot role and play outside as well. However, at this point, it is just a tryout, but there are at least three roster spots open to fill, with others possibly being up for grabs in the minicamp.