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Former Cardinals WR Deserves Second Chance

Hakeem Butler proved he can still play football at a high level.

Donnie Druin

Feb 23, 2023; Seattle, WA, USA; St. Louis Battlehawks wide receiver Hakeem Butler (88) celebrates after scoring a touchdown against the Seattle Sea Dragons during the second half at Lumen Field. St. Louis defeated Seattle 20-18. Mandatory Credit: Steven Bisig-USA TODAY Sports
Feb 23, 2023; Seattle, WA, USA; St. Louis Battlehawks wide receiver Hakeem Butler (88) celebrates after scoring a touchdown against the Seattle Sea Dragons during the second half at Lumen Field. St. Louis defeated Seattle 20-18. Mandatory Credit: Steven Bisig-USA TODAY Sports / Steven Bisig-USA TODAY Sports
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ARIZONA -- Former Arizona Cardinals WR Hakeem Butler has turned heads playing in the UFL, and one analyst believes he deserves another shot in the NFL.

"Players are participating in a spring league for a reason. Hakeem Butler stood out in the UFL, but he has plenty to prove at the NFL level," wrote Bleacher Report's David Kenyon.

"The Arizona Cardinals selected Butler with a fourth-round pick in 2019, but he missed that season because of a broken hand. Arizona released him prior to the 2020 campaign, which he largely spent on the Philadelphia Eagles' practice squad.

"Fast-forward to 2023, and Butler offered a reminder of his talent with the St. Louis Battlehawks. He hauled in 51 passes for 599 yards and eight touchdowns. Butler parlayed that into a contract with the Pittsburgh Steelers, but he didn't make the final roster.

"Hopefully for him, this season will be different. Butler is a near-certainty to land another NFL shot after gathering 45 receptions, a UFL-best 652 yards and five touchdowns for St. Louis."

Wade Phillips says he'll try to call in some favors for the former Cardinals pass-catcher.

"I'm going to tell everyone in the NFL that I talk to, you need to be playing."

Butler has logged just two career games in the NFL - both coming with the Philadelphia Eagles back in 2020. The 28-year-old thrived in the UFL this past season and was named the league's offensive player of the year after a dominant campaign.

We'll see if he lands another chance in the NFL with training camp roughly a month away.

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Donnie Druin

DONNIE DRUIN

Donnie Druin is the Publisher for All Cardinals and Inside The Suns. Donnie moved to Arizona in 2012 and has been with Fan Nation since 2018. In college he won "Best Sports Column" in the state of Arizona for his section and has previously provided coverage for the Pittsburgh Steelers and Arizona State Sun Devils. Follow Donnie on Twitter @DonnieDruin for more news, updates, analysis and more!

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