Steelers cornerback Joe Haden is entering the final year of his contract and, through Tuesday's final preseason practice, an extension had not been agreed.
"Man, we're still working, we're still working," Haden said. "It's been a long process, but I'm still optimistic, still hoping that everything goes down."
Haden's current contract, which will pay him a base salary of $10 million in 2019, is expected to be exceeded in the next deal.
He made 63 tackles in 2018 to go with a forced fumble and two interceptions.
"Time is ticking, so we'll see," said Haden, who turned 30 in April. "We've got a couple of days, so we'll figure it out."
Haden is one of three Steelers defensive backs entering the final year of their contracts, as slot corner Mike Hilton and safety Sean Davis are looking for new deals, as well. All three players are represented by Drew Rosenhaus.
Haden has been dealing with a foot/ankle contusion suffered on August 8 during training camp. It has caused him to miss the entire preseason. He did, however, practice fully Tuesday.
A week ago, Haden said he was still not 100 percent. But, Tuesday, he seems to be getting closer to full go with the season opener against the Patriots just a dozen days away.
"I'm in the 90s (percent)," Haden joked. "It's feeling a whole lot better. I'm excited, back out to practice and taking it day-by-day.
"If New England was this week I would, 1000 percent, be in there."
See all of what Haden had to say in the video above.
