A report came out earlier that claimed the Steelers reached out to former cornerback Joe Haden about a possible reunion this offseason.
But Haden himself is refuting that report.
The Athletic’s Mark Kaboly reported on Monday the Steelers reached out to Haden about coming back to the team and that the organization was not interested in re-signing him this past spring when his contract ended.
Haden reportedly turned down any offer.
“Fake news!!,” said Haden in a tweet. “They go [agent Drew Rosenhaus] number!!,” suggesting he’s open to returning if the team does call.
Haden had been the Steelers top corner for the past five seasons, being signed after he was cut by the Cleveland Browns in 2017. Haden spent his first seven seasons in the league with the Browns.
The Steelers signed free agent and former Buffalo Bills corner Levi Wallace in the offseason to take Haden’s spot.
The other starting outside cornerback will be Ahkello Witherspoon, who the Steelers acquired in a trade with the Seattle Seahawks last September for a 2023 fifth-round draft pick. He signed a two-year extension with the Steelers this past offseason.
Cam Sutton will start in the slot.
The backup outside corner is Chris Steele. James Pierre and Justin Layne back up Sutton.
Haden started in 67 games for Pittsburgh over five seasons with 10 interceptions, three forced fumbles and 238 tackles.
At 33-years-old, Haden is considered an older cornerback but was still able to hold his own the past couple seasons, even if he’s lost a step.
Kaboly is a longtime and respected Steelers insider. He wouldn't just make up the report.