The Chicago Bears have been among the most interesting teams thus far in the offseason and free agency, pulling off a few big moves to better the roster while not sacrificing the long-term future.
Acquiring star guard Joe Thuney from the Kansas City Chiefs is the most important transaction, though signing defensive tackle Grady Jarrett is already paying dividends as well. This roster should theoretically be built on defense and Jarrett should help, though the Bears still ranked 31st in opponent yards per pass (7.4) in 2024.
They've had some clear misses in the secondary in recent years, and one of them who was presented as a ballhawk just left a team that he had a rollercoaster ride with.
Former Seahawks free-agent CB Artie Burns reached agreement today on a one-year deal with the Miami Dolphins. Burns is a former first-round pick from the University of Miami, where he was born and raised. Now, a homecoming.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) March 17, 2025
Deal negotiated by Drew Rosenhaus and Robert Bailey. pic.twitter.com/qVGz4R1cO7
Former Bears CB Artie Burns Leaves Seahawks for Dolphins in Free Agency
According to Adam Schefter of ESPN, cornerback Artie Burns is leaving the Seattle Seahawks to join the Miami Dolphins on a one-year deal.
Originally drafted in the first round of the 2016 NFL Draft by the Pittsburgh Steelers, Burns spent four years there before joining the Bears for the 2021 campaign. He appeared in 11 games, notching 23 tackles with six deflected passes while surrendering a 65.4% completion percentage and putrid 115.1 passer rating when targeted in coverage.
Burns only lasted that one season in Chicago and has had an interesting three years in Seattle. He only played in three games in 2022 and four in 2024 but was incredibly impressive when on the field. He allowed a 55.1 passer rating last year in that limited action, making him an intriguing signing for a Dolphins team that needs to improve defensively.
That said, he started only one game from 2022-2024, clearly not earning the full trust of the Seahawks' coaching staff.
The Bears are seemingly set at cornerback with Jaylon Johnson and Tyrique Stevenson, though the latter's controversial season could make an addition necessary. Burns was never likely to return, but it'd be wise for general manager Ryan Poles to remain active, particularly in the 2025 NFL Draft, to find strong depth pieces.
For the 29-year-old Burns, here's hoping he's able to earn a more secure contract and avoid injuries with his new team.