The Cincinnati Bengals, now considered a dark horse for the AFC North championship with Joe Burrow fully healthy, have made a notable move by signing NFL journeyman Hakeem Butler, according to NFL insider Adam Schefter.
The announcement comes as the Bengals face key training camp battles, with star wide receiver Ja’Marr Chase missing his second consecutive practice, raising concerns.
Butler, a 6-foot-5 wideout with a strong college pedigree from Iowa State, aims to rejuvenate his career with Cincinnati alongside Burrow and Chase.
Despite a promising college career with 60 catches for 1,318 yards, Butler’s NFL journey has been less successful. He has only appeared in two games (both in 2020 with the Philadelphia Eagles) and has been part of various training camps, including last season with the Pittsburgh Steelers, without making a significant impact.
Hakeem Butler, who has been impressive in the USFL with the St. Louis Battlehawks over the past two seasons, accumulating over 1,200 yards and nearly 100 catches, and demonstrating significant potential as a red zone target with 13 total touchdowns, is now joining the Cincinnati Bengals.
While Butler’s addition might not immediately shift the dynamics in light of Ja’Marr Chase’s current situation, it could prove to be a savvy move for the future. With his size and catching ability, Butler has the potential to be a valuable asset in the red zone for Burrow and Zac Taylor’s offense, and he could make a surprising impact this fall.
