NFL teams are always looking to improve, and the Jacksonville Jaguars are no different. While they have solid depth at wide receiver, they’re seemingly planning on giving UFL star receiver Hakeem Butler a workout in light of injuries at the position.
An aggregator account posted on social media that the Jags were going to give Butler a workout. When asked about it on the last day of mandatory minicamp, head coach Doug Pederson didn’t refute the report.
“We’ve talked about it,” Pederson told the local media. “We’re down a couple receivers with David [White] going down last week. So we’re definitely looking to fill a couple spots before we head into camp.”
David White Jr. signed with Jacksonville as an undrafted free agent earlier this year and was expected to compete for a roster spot in the offseason. The West Carolina product tore his ACL during Organized Team Activities. He’s out for the season. Wayne Rubin, who also joined the Jags as an undrafted free agent was waived after suffering an injury.
The Jags claimed offensive lineman Jack Anderson off waivers after White’s injury, but it looks like they still have one spot open on their 53-man roster. It could be used for Butler or any other receiver.
Earlier this year, Jacksonville gave veteran Jarvis Landry a tryout in rookie minicamp but he left without a deal. He could be an option in case they pass on Butler or another team claims him.
Butler was the UFL’s Offensive Player of the Year in 2024. A fourth-round pick by the Arizona Cardinals in the 2019 NFL draft, he spent the 2020 season in the Philadelphia Eagles’ practice squad. Pederson was their head coach then, so he knows firsthand what kind of skill set the Iowa State product brings to the table.
More recently, and before he played in the UFL, Butler spent time with the Pittsburgh Steelers in 2023. However, he didn’t register a single stat with them. For his career, he’s appeared in two games, both of them with Philly. It’s also worth noting that Butler will be working out for the Carolina Panthers, per Ian Rapoport of NFL Media, so there’s a chance the Jaguars won’t get to see him work out.
The #Panthers are expected to work out UFL Offensive Player of the Year Hakeem Butler before summer break, source says.
The All-XFL pick had 45 catches for a league-best 652 receiving yards and 5 TDs for the St. Louis Battlehawks this season. A potential intriguing addition. pic.twitter.com/huo9elhP3s
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) June 10, 2024
Hakeem Butler would provide depth at WR for the Jaguars
Playing in the UFL gave Hakeem Butler ample experience. It doesn’t hurt that former NFL head coach and Fortnite Champion Wade Phillips, who had to play against him, has endorsed him. While head coach Doug Pederson is familiar with him, it’s possible that the receiver has grown since he suited up for the Eagles in 2020.
In Jacksonville, Butler wouldn’t compete for a starting role. Five of the top spots on the depth chart at receiver are most likely earmarked already. With Christian Kirk, Gabe Davis, Devin Duvernay, Brian Thomas Jr., and Parker Washington seemingly locks to make the team, Butler would potentially be competing for a reserve role.
Either way, it’s interesting that the Jaguars want to see what Hakeem Butler got after his Offensive Player of the Year season in the UFL. Who knows? He could turn out to be a low-key, solid addition.
