Hakeem Butler’s gridiron journey has been quite the rollercoaster ride. After an incredible junior campaign with the Iowa State Cyclones, Butler declared for the 2019 NFL Draft. Predicted to be a Top 75 selection by many outlets, the Cyclones’ standout slipped to day three was selected by the Arizona Cardinals with the 103rd overall pick in the fourth round.
Unfortunately, Butler missed his entire rookie campaign after suffering a broken hand late in the preseason. A year later, he would eventually
be waived by the Cardinals. Over the next few seasons, he would spend time with the Carolina Panthers and Philadelphia Eagles but never could find a way to earn a spot on the final 53-man roster.
Since then, Butler has played in the CFL, XFL, and UFL. Additionally, he has competed for spots with the Pittsburgh Steelers and Cincinnati Bengals along the way but never made their final 53-man rosters. From 2023 to 2026, Butler would be a mainstay for the St. Louis Battlehawks in the XFL/UFL. He appeared in 36 games with 33 starts and reeled in 138 catches for 2,192 yards and 20 touchdowns. He was the UFL’s Offensive Player of the year in 2024 and 2026.
Butler certainly has the talent and traits, but what are the chances he is able to revive his NFL career at the age of thirty in Denver? Let’s discuss.
Player Profile
Age: 30 | Experience: Seventh Year (Various Leagues) | College: Iowa State | Height: 6’5” | Weight: 230 pounds
Arm Length: 35-1/4” | Hand Size: 10-3/4” | Bench: 18 reps | Vertical: 36” | Broad Jump: 10’8”
40-Yard Dash: 4.48 seconds | 3-Cone: 7.09 seconds | Shuttle: 4.16 seconds
Hakeem Butler’s 2026 outlook with the Broncos
The Broncos enter the 2026 with an upgraded wide receiver corps and a lot of young players looking to make big leaps. With the Broncos’ top five at receiver set with Courtland Sutton, Jaylen Waddle, Marvin Mims Jr., Troy Franklin, and Pat Bryant presumably set, any other roster vying for a spot on the 2026 Broncos’ squad is going to have their work cut out for them.
That being said, Butler’s size and playmaking ability are intriguing, and sports the traits Head Coach Sean Payton covets at the position. He also excels in the screen game and with contested catches. On the outside looking in, I think he could challenge for a role similar that Lil’ Jordan Humphrey has been in for the team over the past few seasons.
If Denver opts to keep six receivers on the final roster this season, I could see a path for Butler. He will have to impress over the course of the summer and preseason and also show he has special teams’ ability. It’s a long shot, especially since he has a whole new offensive system to learn, but there is a chance he could finally make his way back to being on an NFL roster.
Final Thoughts
Butler has been a standout in the UFL the past several seasons. During that time, he flashed big-time talent and playmaking ability we all saw from him in his collegiate years at Iowa State. At thirty years old and in a crowded wide receiver room, I believe it will be tough for him to make the final roster. Nevertheless, I’m very interested to see how he performs in training camp and the preseason. If he doesn’t make the final 53-man roster, I wouldn’t be surprised if he finds a home on the Broncos’ 16-man practice squad.
