The Steelers have emerged as a “possible contender” for free agent cornerback Joe Haden, whom the Browns released earlier today, according to Aditi Kinkhabwala of NFL.com (Twitter link). In fact, Pittsburgh is considered the “favorite” to land Haden, tweets Adam Schefter of ESPN.com.
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While Pittsburgh boasts a number of intriguing young options in their secondary, the club’s pass defense lacks a true No. 1 cornerback at present. Of course, it’s not apparent that Haden fits that definition anymore, as he graded as the No. 88 corner among 110 qualifiers in 2016, per Pro Football Focus. And if the Steelers are looking for reliability, they won’t get it with Haden, who’s missed 14 games over the past two seasons.
But the Steelers apparently believe Haden still has production left to over: per Kinkhabwala, Haden has number of advocates in Pittsburgh, including wide receiver Antonio Brown. Plus, Haden should come on the cheap, as he’s already guaranteed to earn $4MM from the Browns. Haden’s contract included offsets, tweets Ian Rapoport of NFL.com, so the Steelers (or any other club) will only be responsible for a minimum salary if they sign Haden for fewer than $4MM.
Pittsburgh is slated to start Ross Cockrell and Artie Burns at cornerback, with William Gay, Senquez Golson, Cameron Sutton, Coty Sensabaugh, and others vying for time as depth options.
The Steelers should try to sign him because Ross Cockrell is terrible and shouldn’t be a starter
Agreed.
“Terrible” is a bit extreme, but he’s certainly a below-average starter. He would be great as depth, though.
Surprising. If it happens – bad blunder by Cleveland. Kept him too long, overpaid him, then will be shut down by him twice a year.
Cleveland made a bad blunder? Stop the presses!
I’d be stunned, but pleasantly surprised, if this ends up happening. This is not the usual Steeler M.O., but a veteran CB is a big need for them. He has got to want to join a contender after all those years in Cleveland.
Philly needs some help.
Come on Cowboys