Joe Haden hoped to sign a second Steelers extension soon, but that may not be in the team’s immediate plans. Haden is now planning to play out his contract year and test free agency in 2022, Adam Schefter of ESPN.com tweets.
The Steelers and their top corner agreed to a two-year, $22MM extension two years ago today. That deal expires at the end of the 2021 season. Haden’s adjusted strategy will put him on track to hit free agency in March for the first time.
The veteran defender approached the Steelers about another re-up recently, per Schefter, but nothing came to pass. The Steelers frequently extend players just before their contract years begin. Haden’s new plan suggests the team is fine letting the three-time Pro Bowler go through his walk year.
While the Steelers did land Haden as a free agent in 2017, the Browns cut him late that summer. He has yet to be an unrestricted free agent at the time in which teams are most prepared to spend.
Haden’s age will complicate matters. The 12th-year veteran will turn 33 in April. Teams are rarely eager to pay up for corners approaching their mid-30s, but Haden delivering a solid age-32 season this year will help him on the market — if the Steelers let this situation reach that point. Pittsburgh did let a few key cogs leave in free agency this year, slot corner Mike Hilton among them, and have big-ticket deals to finalize with T.J. Watt and Minkah Fitzpatrick. Haden will check in below these younger standouts, priority-wise.
As a Browns fan, I wish Joe nothing but the best this year and beyond. He was always a bright spot when he was here and a real class act. Hope you get another big payday, Joe!!! Thanks for your efforts here in Cleveland.
You must have forgotten that time when he was not a class act when at the last minute he told Mike Pettine I can’t play coach my finger hurts. Joe Haden is the poster child for I can’t play Coach my Feelings are hurt. Or how about Joe Haden gets burned late in game Browns Lose. But then again Ray Farmer was a Jackass who ruined the team. Ran Kyle Shanahan, Alex Mack, and so many others out of town.
I wish Joe Haden would run up to Mike Tomlin and tell him My Finger Hurts I can’t play. Like he did in Cleveland. Then somehow Cleveland got nothing for Joe Haden in Compensation yet the Steelers gave them a draft choice for the even more worthless Justin I can’t Tackle, Cover or even be a teams KR Gilbert. What a Joke.
Be happy with what we have now
It’s hard to let a pro-bowler go, but he’s looking for that deal on the wrong side of 30. If the number is reasonable, I could see them doing something, but as mentioned, there are other higher priorities that they will need to address.
Ummm 33 year old corner. Don’t think so. Plus the only ones the Steelers like to hang onto is old weak armed over the hill QB’s who molest women
Ben must have stole your girl or something. What a loser you are
That h as opens when a team decides not to extend you!
Franchise tag always an option too
Surely you jest…