7 free agents under 25-years-old the Vikings could sign in 2020
By Dean Jones
Artie Burns – CB
Artie Burns is a former first-round pick that is in dire need of a change of scenery following a difficult season with the Pittsburgh Steelers.
The 25th overall selection in the 2016 NFL Draft out of Miami played in all 16 games during his first three seasons in Pittsburgh. His form dipped dramatically in 2019, leaving Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin with no other alternative than to demote Burns from the starting lineup.
He came up with just eight tackles during the 10 appearances he made for Pittsburgh last season and he has not recorded an interception since 2017. Much was expected of Burns following a fine rookie campaign that saw his snag three picks and 65 total tackles.
But he has failed to fulfill his promise and the Steelers declined to pick up his fifth-year option for 2020. Burns will no doubt be available in free agency and he represents an intriguing prospect providing he returns to the form that made him a potential star.
One would think Burns will be available on the cheap, with Spotrac projecting him to land a deal that only pays him $1 million annually. Given the Vikings’ strict salary cap this offseason, this would be a low risk, high reward free-agent option.
If Burns can thrive in Mike Zimmer’s defense, then it will put him in position for a larger contract either in Minnesota or elsewhere in 2021.