Hakeem Butler. Steven Bisig-USA TODAY Sports

Steelers invite XFL star to minicamp

By Aaron Becker | Last updated 5/4/23

The Steelers may have just found QB Kenny Pickett another big playmaker and it wasn't even through the 2023 NFL Draft.

It was announced Wednesday that Pittsburgh has invited WR Hakeem Butler to its minicamp. Butler, who is a massive 6-foot-5, 227 pounds and is still only 26, had 51 catches for 599 yards and a league-best eight touchdowns this season in the XFL.

Former #Cardinals WR Hakeem Butler has been invited to #Steelers minicamp. He's been playing for the XFL's St. Louis Battlehawks and has put up 51 receptions for 599 yards and a league-best 8 TDs.
— Ari Meirov (@MySportsUpdate) May 4, 2023

Butler is one of only 10 XFL players to receive an NFL camp invite. He's certainly deserving but it will be no easy task to make the Steelers' roster.

He joins an already crowded receiver room that includes Diontae Johnson, George Pickens, Allen Robinson II, Calvin Austin III, Anthony Miller and Miles Boykin.

Butler was a fourth-round pick by the Cardinals in the 2019 NFL Draft but battled injuries for most of his NFL career. He spent time with the Cardinals, Panthers and Eagles from 2019-20.

Now, he's hoping for another shot, and he may just earn one after showing his upside during his time with the Battlehawks in 2023.