Could Former Cardinals WR Hakeem Butler Return to NFL?

XFL WR Hakeem Butler once took NFL fields as an Arizona Cardinal. Now, he could potentially return to the league.

Here's a name Arizona Cardinals fans love to remember: Hakeem Butler. 

Butler emerged as a candidate from the 2019 NFL Draft to hopefully carry on the legacy of strong receiver play for the Cardinals. His 6-foot-5 and 227 pound frame after setting Iowa State's single-season receiving yards record was enticing for Arizona. 

Yet after missing his entire rookie season due to a broke hand, the Cardinals parted ways with Butler in 2020. Butler landed with the Philadelphia Eagles but only spent one season with them before heading to the CFL and eventually the XFL, where he currently plays. 

Playing just two games for the Eagles (and gaining one target), Butler never got the opportunity to establish himself on the field for the NFL. That's been a different story for the St. Louis BattleHawks this year. 

Through six games, Butler has accounted for:

35 receptions (second in the XFL)

372 receiving yards (third)

4 receiving touchdowns (third)

After the season, could Butler return to the league? 

Hakeem Butler out here looking like Megatron in the XFL, my gawd. pic.twitter.com/Pi5QOOhA17

— Johnny Venerable (@JohnnyVenerable) February 24, 2023

Bleacher Report believes so, including him on a list of seven XFL players who could potentially get another shot in the league:

"Considering how much receiving depth is needed in the NFL, Butler is certain to land a tryout in the offseason," said Bleacher Report. 

The Cardinals are currently in the beginning stages of a rebuild after a 4-13 season. Arizona will be in the market to add another receiver after eventually dealing DeAndre Hopkins, though Cardinals brass will likely opt to use free agency or the NFL draft to supplement that position rather than turn to the nearly 27-year-old Butler.

However, Butler might certainly find himself in camp again thanks to a strong season in the XFL. 

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