The Ravens, Chiefs could sign the Seahawks’ recent cut free agent, Artie Burns to improve their postseason chances. The playoffs are almost here so that means several contenders will likely add a few pieces to their depth charts to prepare. According to recent reports, the Seattle Seahawks are officially waiving Burns after bringing him in for a short stay on the 53-man roster. However, he didn’t play a single snap in the last game against the Green Bay Packers but he only missed one matchup this season due to injury.
Originally selected in the first round of the 2016 NFL Draft, the veteran was constructing himself as a consistent playmaker for a team’s secondary since arriving in Pittsburgh. Injuries were slowing him down in his rookie year but things got off to a fast start after his strong performance, recording his first interception against former Raven Joe Flacco. He went on to become the starter and recorded 65 tackles, 13 pass deflections and three interceptions in 16 games that year. Burns never became the same consistent player he once was alongside Joe Haden in 2017 so the Steelers didn’t want anything to do with him since declining his fifth-year option that made him a free agent in 2020.
The veteran was a journeyman throughout the rest of his NFL career after the Steelers. He spent some time with the Chicago Bears before joining the Seahawks in 2022 but didn’t get any consistent full-time duties. Burns might not be a starter anymore but he could be a viable option as depth for teams like the Ravens, Chiefs.
Ravens, Chiefs May Sign Seahawks Recent Cut Free Agent Artie Burns
Extra Assistance in Baltimore
The Baltimore Ravens continue to dominate down the last regular season stretch with a strong offense. Lamar Jackson and Derrick Henry look like they will be the new duo for the next several years but it’s hard to imagine if they will have this same energy for the postseason. They have the offense to put the numbers but a depleting secondary and pass rush might be what holds them back from accomplishing a Lombardi trophy. The defense didn’t do much to stop other teams like the Bengals or Eagles which might spell trouble for their chances since they need to win big.
Baltimore can’t afford Kansas City signing any more players since that’ll likely decrease their chances against them if they face each other. The likelihood is that the Chiefs could sign veteran Xavien Howard but the Ravens could easily respond by signing Burns. There’s no way in the world that Baltimore could respond big against the Chiefs potential signing but it would give them a significant boost. After trading for Tre’Davious White, he’s still his old self and an inexperienced Brandon Stephens won’t be able to keep the team on balance alongside Marlon Humphrey.
Kansas City in Shambles?
The Kansas City offense already has struggles of their own with Patrick Mahomes battling an injury and not being able to connect with star weapons like Travis Kelce. The team attempted to make life easier for Mahomes since trading for DeAndre Hopkins in the absence of Rashee Rice and Marquise Brown. The Chiefs can take a deep breath now that Brown is coming back but it hasn’t been able to compensate the defense they may have to endure. Since already losing Jaylen Watson to a season-ending injury, there’s no word on when Chamarri Conner will come back this year.
However, this doesn’t look like it’ll be good news for Trent McDuffie who’s been holding the secondary together since departing with L’Jarius Sneed. Burns might not be the same player but he could bring out the best of his abilities playing for one of the best teams in the league right now.
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