Surprising Name Absent From Steelers Rookie Minicamp
PITTSBURGH -- The Pittsburgh Steelers are finishing up their 2023 rookie minicamp, scouting for the best of the 51 players they are hosting for the weekend at UPMC Rooney Sports Complex.
Within the group are plenty of talented young players, but a surprising name wasn't in attendance for the tryout. That player, XFL star wide receiver Hakeem Butler, has reportedly been invited to "camp" by the Steelers. However, while many believed he'd be at the facility for rookie minicamp, he's not eligible to join the team until OTAs and minicamp.
Because Butler played in XFL this past season, he cannot join an NFL team until late May. Therefor, despite being eligible for rookie minicamp, he will not begin practicing until the next offseason phase.
Butler is a former fourth-round pick for the Arizona Cardinals back in 2019. He's never made an appearance in an NFL game, but has spent time on a few practice squads before bouncing to the CFL and then the XFL.
The 27-year-old had 599 receiving yards and eight touchdowns this past XFL season, leading the league in touchdown receptions.
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