One thing that never changes about NFL rosters these days is they’re fluid. Especially on the back end. Teams are constantly churning the bottom third of the depth charts seeking out better options in all three phases. The Chicago Bears are no different. GM Ryan Pace is notorious for making lots of minor moves. That should continue towards the end of this month as teams begin to cut down their rosters. Where does this leave Artie Burns?
The former 1st round pick signed with the Bears a few months back. After a promising rookie season, the cornerback never quite took that next step the Pittsburgh Steelers were hoping for. Some believed it was a mix of crushing responsibilities at home mixed with him coming out of school too early. Now 25-years old though, it’s felt maybe a fresh start with a new team is what he needs.
He’ll be involved in the competition for the #2 starting spot opposite Kyle Fuller. His odds? Some don’t see them as promising. This would explain why Kristopher Knox of Bleacher Report thinks the Bears could end up trading him elsewhere before final cuts.
“The Chicago Bears took a flier on former Pittsburgh Steelers cornerback Artie Burns in free agency, hoping he could compete for a starting job opposite Kyle Fuller. However, they used a second-round pick on Utah product Jaylon Johnson shortly thereafter.
Johnson should have every opportunity to win the starting job, which could leave Burns without a significant role. Buster Skrine is the team’s nickel cornerback, and third-year pro Kevin Toliver II and rookie fifth-rounder Kindle Vildor can provide depth.
While Burns could be pushed off Chicago’s roster, the Bears may be able to get something of value by dealing him. Teams love to take chances on prior first-round picks, and at least one coach out there likely believes he’s smart enough to finally unlock Burns’ potential.”
Artie Burns should make the final roster if he stays
It isn’t a crazy idea. Teams have done this many times before. Pace already dealt away Adam Shaheen for a conditional pick. There’s no reason to think he wouldn’t try to do the same with Burns. That being said, it’s way too early to consider this. Training camp only just began last week and the pads haven’t even gone on. There is no telling how the guy might respond to Chuck Pagano’s different style of coaching.
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Maybe the light might finally go on?
Even if that doesn’t happen, Burns has value on special teams. Something the Bears always covet. Considering they signed him for so cheap, keeping him as an experienced backup and primary third phase player could prove more valuable to the team than simply shipping him out for at best a conditional late round pick.