After the Steelers re-signed CB Ahkello Witherspoon and added former Bills corner Levi Wallace, all signs have been pointing to Joe Haden leaving Pittsburgh in search of a new employer. Haden himself seemed to confirm as much in a tweet last night that read, “Steelernation we will always have memories!”
Indeed, Jeremy Fowler of ESPN.com says that Haden’s days with the Steelers are likely over (Twitter link). There has been no reported interest in him just yet, but following a successful five-year stint in the Steel City, he should be able to land a quality contract on the open market.
The Browns selected Haden with the No. 7 overall pick of the 2010 draft, and he earned two consecutive Pro Bowl bids from 2013-14. Injuries and a corresponding drop in performance led the Browns to request a pay cut in advance of the 2017 season, but the two sides could not come to terms in that regard, and Cleveland could not find any takers in a trade. The club therefore released Haden in August 2017, and the division-rival Steelers were quick to scoop him up.
The Florida product reestablished himself as a CB1 in Pittsburgh, notching 10 interceptions, 54 passes defensed, and his third career Pro Bowl selection during the last five seasons. However, in the eyes of Pro Football Focus’ advanced metrics, his play has started to decline a bit over the past two years, and his 63.4 grade in 2021 was his lowest mark since 2016. He also failed to record an interception in his 12 games.
Still, CB-needy teams could do much worse, and now that the first wave of free agency is in the books, we could start to hear Haden’s name more often on the rumor mill.
Loved having him in the Burgh, seemed like a decent guy, best of luck to joe.
Wonder if it would be out of the question to return to the burg, but as a safety… Joe is and was always one of the better tackling CB’s, and not to mention many Cbs have went to safety late in their career, and had success. I wish we would have resigned him. Was a great leader, and player.
He’s consistently said that he will only play CB and when he can’t effectively do that anymore he’ll retire. So it’d require a pretty big change of heart.
Agree it’d be ideal though.
Have to hope they sign Matthieu or Gilmore at this point. That secondary as is just isn’t enough to shut down good to great pass offenses.
They’re supposedly looking at Mathieu, who I would love to see in Pittsburgh if the price and years are right. I wouldn’t rule out a reunion with Edmunds either, which would not be the end of the world some would make it out to be. Edmunds improved every season and turned into a perfectly good starting safety… but just an average one who doesn’t make enough big plays and misses too many tackles. They could do better than Terrell.
I have seen a lot of pundits linking Matthieu to the Steelers. Until this off season, I’d have said it’s a pipe dream but it sure looks like the front office is aware of their deficiencies. He’d be a perfect fit, then draft D-linemen and receivers (as well as an O-lineman, I guess)
Yes, I get what you’re saying about Edmunds and it wouldn’t surprise me to see them bring him back. Strictly in terms of being a cover guy, he always seems to be a step or two off but who knows?
Have to think this is all going to be more clear soon
I’ve loved having Haden in Pittsburgh, but he wants a longer contract and the Steelers simply aren’t going to give it to him at age 32. I don’t blame either side here. If Haden isn’t coming back, which frankly I’ve assumed for quite awhile now, I wish him all the best no matter where he goes. Seems like a very good player, great teammate, and great guy.
I could see the Jets giving him a look. DJ Reed was a great pickup, but the young secondary could still use some veteran leadership.
Cincinnati could use him! Keeps him in the AFC North.