PITTSBURGH (93.7 The Fan) – With Cam Sutton agreeing to the framework of a $33 million deal with the Lions, who are some other free agent cornerbacks available for the Steelers?
Let’s assume other cap issues take Tampa’s Jamel Dean and the Eagles’ James Bradberry out of consideration, although maybe $12 million a year could be something the team could do for the 29-year-old Bradberry.
Jonathan Jones (New England) and Danny Johnson (Washington) are staying with their teams.
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 flexible player, but likely to make around, if not more, than Sutton and like Cam can play inside and outside.
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
Shaquill Griffin-JAX-after a spectacular 2021, his Pro Football Focus grades plummeted only able to play five games due to a back injury that landed him on injured reserve in October. Steelers took a flier on William Jackson who was having back problems, he could barely practice and was released (as much for his contract as anything else). Back injuries are tricky even though he’s expected back full by OTAs. It’s risky, but they might strike gold on a 27-year-old potentially looking for more term than higher yearly salary.
Emmanuel Moseley-SF-he had ACL surgery in late October after just five games. He has incredible talent, obviously it’s a risk with a player recovering from a major knee surgery. Moseley has also missed games due to a high-ankle sprain, hamstring issue and concussion. PFF said he might be get-able for one-year, $4.25 million.
Sean Murphy-Bunting-TB-just 25-years-old jumped from 89th to 26th overall in PFF cornerback grades. He played mostly special teams until the end of the season, starting the final four games of the season with an interception, six passes defended and a forced fumble. He may be available for around $4 million a season.
Related
Who are the Steelers starters right now?
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.
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.
Then there is the NFL Draft. Depending on what type of free agent the Steelers land, if any, could impact the first round choice.