Seahawks' DK Metcalf Defends Re-Signing of Artie Burns with 'Two Solid Reasons'
Seattle Seahawks receiver DK Metcalf has built a career on "burning" past opposing secondaries all while tossing in some well-earned trash talk.
But when it comes to the defensive backs in his own locker room, Metcalf is making it clear that he's flipping the script.
The Seahawks re-signed cornerback Artie Burns to a one-year deal Monday in a move that was a bit unexpected at first, but became clearer when it was announced that second-year cornerback Tariq Woolen had undergone minor knee surgery.
Still, Burns played just 16 snaps on defense and eight on special teams with the Seahawks last season, prompting some of the raised eyebrows. But Metcalf was quick to shut any of this down in defense of Burns.
Seahawks beat writer Gregg Bell of The News Tribune posed the understandable question of "Why?" on Twitter, prompting a response from Metcalf.
"Damn Greg I got 2 solid reasons 1. Veteran in a young DB room 2. Give a man an opportunity for battling injuries last year," Metcalf tweeted.
Though he's far from a splash re-signing, Burns can certainly bring some valuable experience to a secondary that could be one of the team's most improved units this season. The Seahawks already boast the talent of Woolen, Quandre Diggs, Jamal Adams, Coby Bryant and first-round rookie Devon Witherspoon.
They now bring back Burns to the fold, a former first-round pick by the Pittsburgh Steelers in 2016 who played four seasons with the team before signing with the Chicago Bears for the 2021 campaign. In his career, Burns has played in 69 games while posting 172 total tackles, one forced fumble, two fumble recoveries, four interceptions and 33 passes defended.
It can be tough to question Seattle's decision to bring him back when former Seahawks defensive assistant and current Philadelphia Eagles defensive coordinator Sean Desai lauded Burns' abilities ahead of the 2022 season.
“I think Artie (Burns) has a skillset that fits a lot of schemes," Desai said. "He’s a good cover corner and he has quick feet. His part has been learning what we are doing here. That’s been the step for him, to learn what we are doing here and the different types of things that we want to play with him in the roles that we have him in here.”
Metcalf will still be looking to "burn" past Burns during offseason session and in-season at practice. But off the field, he's making sure to check any questions regarding Seattle's roster moves at the door.
You can follow Zach Dimmitt on Twitter at @ZachDimmitt7
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