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The Pittsburgh Steelers had been searching for cornerback help from the day Ike Taylor retired until the day Cleveland released Joe Haden.
Haden of course was signed 24 hours later and it was the beginning of the Steelers finally solving their secondary issues. Mike Hilton, and Steven Nelson would eventually round out a solid top 3 at the position.
That vanished last season when Hilton left for Cincinnati, and Nelson famously asked to not be held hostage on social media. He was released hours later.
Now Haden is an aging free agent, and the Steelers have declined to engage in contract talks with him despite him asking for an extension publicly. It’s likely that the team will let Haden seek outside offers to weigh his value before they commit to an offer. It could also be that they don’t want to pay a 33 year old corner with lots of miles on his body.
Either way the Steelers need an influx of experience and stability to the position.
That’s where the availability of several cornerbacks in free agency could interest the Steelers. With nearly 45 million in cap room the team could potentially be a big player in free agency while they try to rebuild depleted depth and talent.
Let’s take a look at the top 10 free agents that could hit the market if they don’t see the franchise tag.
JC Jackson – New England Patriots
Stephon Gilmore – Carolina Panthers
Carlton Davis – Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Darius Williams – Las Angeles Rams
Casey Heyward Jr – Las Vegas Raiders
Steven Nelson – Philadelphia Eagles
Bryce Callahan – Denver Broncos
Donte Jackson – Carolina Panthers
Charvarius Ward – Kansas City Chiefs
DJ Reed Jr – Seattle Seahawks
JC Jackson is the best corner available. It’s possible that the Patriots will franchise tag Jackson like they did Gilmore this past season. Gilmore was eventually traded to Carolina leaving Jackson as the true #1 corner.
If the Steelers intend to keep playing Man Coverage then Jackson should be their number one priority if New England let’s him hit free agency. Jackson allowed only 50 receptions last season and had 8 interceptions. Jackson is going to cost in the upward range of 18 million per season, which would usually rule the Steelers out. But this is an off-season unlike any other where they have money.
Now if the Steelers plan to use a lot of zone coverage and don’t want to completely break the bank they could look at Darious Williams. Williams has been a benefactor of playing opposite of Jalen Ramsey in the sense that teams have been forced to throw his way, and he’s held his own. Allowing only 53 receptions in 2021.
Rams corner Darius Williams could be on the Steelers Radar
The slight against Williams is that he’s only 5’9, and had zero interceptions this season. For his size he’s still a willing participant in tackling which is important in zone coverage and something the Steelers usually covet.
Now even if Williams is still out of the Steelers price range they could be thrifty and still sign one of the top 10 free agent corners. Donte Jackson had his best season as a Pro for Carolina this season. The Panthers claim that he’s a priority for the team, but they can’t keep all of their corners. They traded for CJ Henderson, and Stephon Gilmore. The latter which is going to be looking for his last big pay day of his career. Jackson may be looking for more money and to be the #1 corner somewhere instead of going back to Carolina.
He is expected to command around 5 million per season which could be more of the price range the Steelers are willing to do. Signing someone like Jackson could also allow them to re-sign Ahkello Witherspoon.
Witherspoon intercepts Baker Mayfield on Jan 3 2022 – Photo Pittsburgh Post Gazette
The Steelers traded for Witherspoon before the start of the season and mid-way through he finally was able to get consistent playing time. He finished the season with 3 interceptions including two against Minnesota.
This all could be a pipe dream, but at least the team has money this season so it’s at least possible!
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