The Miami Dolphins have bolstered their secondary by signing veteran cornerback Artie Burns to a one-year contract. Burns, a former first-round pick and standout at the University of Miami, returns to his hometown in hopes of rejuvenating his career.
At 29 years old, Burns was originally selected by the Pittsburgh Steelers with the 25th overall pick in the 2016 NFL Draft. During his four seasons in Pittsburgh, he started 39 of the 90 games he played, accumulating 149 tackles, 27 pass breakups, and nine interceptions. Following his time with the Steelers, he spent one season with the Chicago Bears in 2021 before joining the Seattle Seahawks in 2022. His tenure in Seattle was limited, as he started only one game over three seasons.
Former Seahawks free-agent CB Artie Burns reached agreement today on a one-year deal with the Miami Dolphins. Burns is a former first-round pick from the University of Miami, where he was born and raised. Now, a homecoming.
Deal negotiated by Drew Rosenhaus and Robert Bailey. pic.twitter.com/qVGz4R1cO7
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) March 17, 2025
Before entering the NFL, Burns played three seasons at the University of Miami from 2013 to 2015. He posted 93 tackles, seven interceptions, and 14 pass breakups in his collegiate career, with his standout 2015 season elevating him into the first-round conversation. However, his professional career has been hampered by injuries and inconsistent play, preventing him from meeting the expectations set early on.
Last season, Burns dealt with a toe injury that sidelined him for the majority of the year. His addition to the Dolphins appears to be primarily for depth, especially after the team lost Kendall Fuller in free agency. He will compete with players such as Ethan Bonner and Isaiah Johnson for a roster spot while also providing value on special teams. Despite his experience, this signing may not have a major impact on Miami’s defensive plans, but there remains a possibility that Burns could find a role in Anthony Weaver’s defensive scheme.
While the chances of a career resurgence at this stage seem slim, returning to Miami could provide Burns with a fresh start. Given that he has started only eight games since the 2019 season, expectations should be tempered, but unexpected turnarounds have happened before.
The signing raises questions about whether it affects Miami’s approach to the upcoming NFL Draft, though it seems unlikely to change their long-term strategy. The Dolphins will continue to evaluate their secondary, but Burns’ role will likely be as a depth piece rather than a game-changing addition.