The Steelers are already considered the frontrunners for cornerback Joe Haden, and they’ll meet with the free agent himself tonight, tweets Ian Rapoport of NFL.com.
Pittsburgh isn’t the only NFL club eyeing Haden, who was released by the Browns this morning, as the Chiefs, Saints, Eagles, 49ers, and Dolphins are also interested in adding the 28-year-old. Cleveland is already paying Haden a guaranteed $4MM for the 2017 season, meaning any that signs the veteran defensive back will only be responsible for the minimum. However, given the level of interest that Haden has already generated, it’s possible that he could garner a hefty deal. He’s reportedly open to both single-season and multi-year pacts.
The Steelers are currently 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. That group is without a clear-cut No. 1 cornerback, although 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 Pittsburgh is looking for reliability, it may not get it with Haden, who’s missed 14 games over the past two seasons.
Technically, Haden can’t speak or meet with any other clubs until he’s officially released by the Browns at 4pm ET today.
Will be a great pickup. Cut Golson and move Cockrell to a reserve role.
Golson is my favorite player. Never played a down. Collected a paycheck for 3 years. No CTE for him.
lol I’ve never looked at it that way, good for him. He’s made some money and didn’t risk his long term health.
Well, I don’t see us letting him leave without a contract. It would have to be a bit team friendly, but I think he will be happy to be playing for a team that can win now.