Artie Burns joins the Dolphins as a secondary in The Splash Zone on 3/18/25.
Introduction: A New Chapter for Artie Burns
On March 18, 2025, the Miami Dolphins made a significant move to strengthen their defense by signing veteran cornerback Artie Burns. A product of Miami, Burns brings valuable experience and a unique perspective to the Dolphins’ secondary. Having played for several teams over the course of his career, Burns is now returning to his roots, joining the team he grew up watching.
This article explores the significance of Burns’ signing, the impact he will have on the Dolphins’ defense, and how his journey from a local standout to an NFL veteran shapes this new chapter for him and the Dolphins.
Artie Burns’ Early Life: A Miami Native’s Rise
Born on May 1, 1995, in Miami, Florida, Artie Burns’ connection to the city runs deep. Growing up in Miami, he attended Miami Northwestern High School, where he quickly made a name for himself as a top-tier athlete. It didn’t take long for college scouts to notice his exceptional ability as a cornerback, which led to his recruitment by the University of Miami Hurricanes.
At the University of Miami, Burns became one of the standout defensive players. His skills in pass coverage, ability to anticipate plays, and aggressive mindset made him one of the top cornerbacks in the nation. During his three seasons with the Hurricanes, Burns recorded impressive stats, including seven interceptions, and was named to the second-team All-ACC in his junior season. His combination of athleticism, speed, and intelligence on the field made him a highly sought-after prospect in the 2016 NFL Draft.
Burns’ College Career: Establishing Himself as a Top Cornerback
Artie Burns’ college career at the University of Miami was marked by consistency, performance, and growth. He played three seasons for the Hurricanes, from 2013 to 2015, after redshirting in his freshman year. Burns finished his college career with 93 tackles, 14 tackles for loss, and one interception returned for a touchdown. His performance in college earned him the recognition of being one of the top cornerback prospects in the nation.
Burns’ most notable performance came in his junior year when he tallied 35 tackles and intercepted two passes. His combination of size, speed, and ball skills helped him dominate on the field, catching the attention of NFL scouts. By the time the 2016 NFL Draft came around, Burns was widely considered a first-round talent.
The NFL Draft: Pittsburgh Steelers’ First-Round Pick
In the 2016 NFL Draft, Artie Burns was selected by the Pittsburgh Steelers with the 25th overall pick. His selection in the first round was a testament to his impressive college career and potential in the NFL. Burns was immediately thrown into the mix with the Steelers, becoming a starter in his rookie season.
Throughout his four seasons with Pittsburgh, Burns demonstrated his ability to contribute right away. He appeared in 60 games, starting 39, and was integral to the Steelers’ secondary. Burns’ first NFL interception came in a game against the Cincinnati Bengals in 2016, signaling the start of what would be a productive career in Pittsburgh.
Pittsburgh Steelers: The Making of a Cornerback
Burns’ tenure with the Steelers was marked by steady improvement and moments of brilliance. In 2017, he finished the season with 47 tackles, a career-high 15 pass deflections, and two interceptions, proving his value as a key contributor to the defense. His ability to lock down opposing wide receivers and create turnovers made him a staple of the Steelers’ defense.
However, Burns’ career with Pittsburgh also had its share of challenges. The Steelers struggled to maintain consistency in their secondary during Burns’ time with the team. Despite flashes of brilliance, Burns faced criticism for occasional lapses in coverage and struggles against larger, more physical receivers. This inconsistency led to Burns being a polarizing figure among Pittsburgh fans and analysts alike.
In 2019, the Steelers opted not to re-sign Burns, ending his four-year stint with the team. Despite this, Burns had left his mark on the Steelers’ defense and demonstrated that he had the potential to continue thriving in the NFL.
The Chicago Bears and the Setback of Injury
In March 2020, Burns signed with the Chicago Bears, hoping to find a new beginning. Unfortunately, his time with the Bears was short-lived, as Burns suffered a torn ACL in training camp, forcing him to miss the entire 2020 season. His injury was a significant setback in his career, as it left him rehabbing for much of the following year.
Burns re-signed with the Bears in 2021, hoping to return to form, but his time with Chicago was limited. He played in just one game during the 2021 season, failing to make the impact he had hoped for. With his career in a state of uncertainty, Burns began to explore other options in the NFL.
Seattle Seahawks: A New Opportunity
In 2022, Burns joined the Seattle Seahawks, marking a new chapter in his professional career. While his role was limited primarily to special teams and backup cornerback duties, Burns managed to stay on the field and contribute in a limited capacity.
Throughout the 2022, 2023, and 2024 seasons, Burns appeared in 20 games for the Seahawks, though he started only one. Despite his reduced role, Burns remained a valuable veteran presence in the locker room and continued to mentor younger defensive backs. However, in 2024, Burns’ playing time dwindled further, with the veteran cornerback only appearing in four games, mainly as a special teams player.
By the end of the 2024 season, it became clear that Burns would be seeking a new team for the 2025 season. His experience, leadership, and depth would make him a valuable addition to any team looking to bolster their secondary.
Return to Miami: A Homecoming for Burns
On March 17, 2025, Artie Burns made the decision to return to his hometown by signing a one-year contract with the Miami Dolphins. For Burns, this signing represents a homecoming both personally and professionally. Returning to Miami is a full-circle moment for a player who started his career in the city’s football programs and now returns as a seasoned NFL veteran.
This move brings Burns back to the city where he first honed his skills as a cornerback. Burns’ addition to the Dolphins’ defense will provide much-needed depth in a secondary that already features talented players such as Jalen Ramsey and Xavien Howard. The Dolphins’ defense has been bolstered in recent years, and Burns’ veteran presence will only add to the overall strength of the unit.
Impact on the Dolphins’ Secondary
Burns’ signing gives the Dolphins the depth and leadership they need in their secondary. While Burns may not be a starter, his experience and knowledge of the game will be invaluable for the younger players on the roster. Burns has faced some of the best wide receivers in the NFL and will be able to share those lessons with his teammates. Additionally, Burns’ ability to step in as a backup cornerback or play on special teams will provide Miami with flexibility and stability in the secondary.
For the Dolphins, Burns provides depth at a position that is vital in today’s NFL, where passing games continue to evolve and become more complex. With the addition of Burns, the Dolphins are in a better position to compete against high-powered offenses in the AFC.
The Future: A Strong Secondary for the Dolphins
Looking ahead, the Dolphins will continue to strengthen their defense through the draft and free agency. While Burns will be an important contributor to the secondary, the team is also looking to the future. Miami may look to add more talent to its cornerback room through the NFL Draft, where top prospects like Will Johnson from Michigan are expected to be available. These additions could help the Dolphins improve even further and build a dominant secondary that can help them compete for a Super Bowl.
A New Beginning for Artie Burns
For Artie Burns, joining the Miami Dolphins is a fresh start and a chance to return to his roots. Burns has had a rollercoaster of a career so far, but his return to Miami provides an opportunity to make an impact in the place he calls home. As the Dolphins aim to continue building a championship-caliber team, Burns’ experience and leadership will be crucial in solidifying the defense.
Burns’ journey is far from over, and his time with the Dolphins could be the final chapter in what has already been a remarkable career. Miami fans can expect Burns to bring his best to the field and provide the stability and veteran presence that the Dolphins need as they look to compete for the AFC title in 2025.