PITTSBURGH (93.7 The Fan) - According to the Post-Gazette’s Gerry Dulac, the Steelers will not pick up the fifth-year option for cornerback Artie Burns.
The move will mean the former #1 draft pick will become a free agent after the 2019 NFL season.
PER SOURCE: The Steelers have elected not to pick up the fifth-year option on CB Artie Burns and he will become a free agent after the 2019 season. The former No. 1 pick would have cost the Steelers $9.594 million in 2020 if the team exercised the option.
— Gerry Dulac (@gerrydulac)
May 3, 2019 After a good rookie season, Burns’ production has declined. General Manager Kevin Colbert talked about Burns earlier this week with Cook and Joe and said where he figures in the future of the Steelers is “up to Artie”, calling his problem a “confidence issue”.
“Artie lost his confidence and wasn’t where we needed him to be and was replaced in the starting lineup,” said Colbert. “He’s had a good offseason . . . we had good meetings with him. He wants to be back where he was.”
In three seasons, Burns has four interceptions for 13 yards.
