PITTSBURGH (93.7 The Fan) – Free agency starting on March 15, what are the Steelers needs at corner. A look at what they have, free agents and if the NFL Draft is the best option.
Pending free agents
Cam Sutton-haven’t heard a Steelers reporter yet say he’s not the most important free agent for the Steelers to re-sign. The 28-year-old is coming off a two-year contract for $9, now could make $9 million a season. Originally a Steelers third-round pick, Sutton started 15 games at corner after taking over the number one position from Joe Haden.
It’s believed Sutton still has years of good play ahead of him and his versatility gives a defensive coordinator options to be creative.
POTENTIAL COST-Pro Football Focus projects at 3-year deal, $25.5 million
James Pierre-there has been much talk of the promise for the 26-year-old, but hasn’t taken advantage of his limited opportunities starting two games while playing all 17.
The 6’2” corner played 24% of the defensive snaps in 2022.
POTENTIAL COST-under $1 million
Under contract
William Jackson-picked up in a trade with Washington, Jackson never played a down and only went through a few snaps in practice due to a back injury. Loved by Mike Tomlin out of college and had some success with Cincinnati.
FUTURE-will be released to save on his $12.1 million contract, potential to return on a prove-it deal probably not far above veterans’ minimum
Levi Wallace-on the second year of an $8 million contract. The 6’ Wallace played 15 games, starting nine, 76% of the snaps with a career-high four interceptions.
FUTURE-will fight for a starting spot at corner, could potentially be a number three
Ahkello Witherspoon-hamstring injury and reoccurrences of it limited the 6’2” corner to four games, all starts. He showed promise at the end of the 2022 season with three interceptions late in the year.
FUTURE-battled for a starting spot in camp last year, could be released at a cap savings of $4 million unless they are convinced he can stay healthy.
Free Agents
Let’s assume with other cap issues, Tampa’s Jamel Dean and the Eagles’ James Bradberry are out of consideration.
Jonathan Jones-NE-is also a versatile CB but is only 5’10” and big receivers could, and have, taken advantage of it. The 29-year-old ranked as the 38th best corner by PFF, contract in the range of $5-6 million.
Patrick Peterson-MIN-coming off a tremendous season, but 33-years-old. His coverage grade is top five among corners and could be looking for a last, big contract. Costs for Peterson could be between $5-8 million.
Rock Ya-Sin-LV-his coverage ranked in the top 30 in the league, but projections are the 26-year-old could get $9 million a year.
Byron Murphy-AZ-25-years-old is another flexable player, but likely to make around, if not more, than Sutton
Marcus Peters-BAL-has had injuries the last couple of years, the 30-year-old could be available for around $7 million a year according to PFF
NFL Draft (assuming Witherspoon and Gonzalez are gone by pick 17)
Joey Porter, Jr.-Penn State-6’2”, 198 pounds-depending on the mock drafts you look at, Porter may be gone by pick 17 although his slower than expected 40-time at the NFL Combine could put him in the mix. Porter only had one interception at Penn State, but few threw his way.
Deonte Banks-Maryland-6’2”, 205 pounds-Steelers have a history drafting Maryland players and Banks ran a 4.35 40 and 42” vertical
Garrett Williams-Syracuse-6’, 189 pounds-still just 21-years-old and coming off an ACL injury, is a potential in the second round
Kelee Ringo-Georgia-6’2”, 210 pounds-another second-round potential coming out over a redshirt sophomore season at 20 years-old.
What will happen
Steelers will bring back Cam Sutton on a three-year contract while releasing Jackson and Witherspoon. Jackson will get a ‘try-out’ deal and they will draft a corner anywhere from 17th overall to the seventh round.