The Pittsburgh Steelers' decision to release veteran cornerback, Arthur Maulet, came as a bit of a surprise due to their lack of depth at the position. While Maulet was far from a defensive star during his time with the Steelers, he was a serviceable player at slot cornerback and was well-respected within the team's locker room. As of now, the most logical option to replace him is Chandon Sullivan. However, there may be another player the team has their eye on, former second-round pick, Duke Dawson.
JORDAN SCHOFIELD / STEELERNATION (@JSKO_PHOTO TWITTER)
Arthur Maulet Has Recently Been Released By The Steelers
During an appearance on 93.7 The Fan with Andrew Fillipponi and Chris Mueller, Steelers General Manager, Omar Khan was asked about the Steelers' plans for slot cornerback heading in to 2023.
“That will all shake out. We like the competition. I’m all about bringing competition regardless of the position. Chandon Sullivan, who we signed, played in that role in Minnesota and Green Bay. Duke Dawson was on our practice squad last year and we think he has a chance to compete there. We will see some of these young guys this weekend and see what they look like. I'm confident that when it all shakes out after Latrobe, we'll have the right guys in place," answered Khan in regard to the Steelers' plans at slot corner this upcoming season.
Is Duke Dawson A Legitimate Contender To Make The Steelers' Roster?
Originally a second-round pick by the New England Patriots in 2018, Dawson has had a tough time remaining healthy during his time in the NFL. After an injury-riddled rookie campaign where he failed to see the field, he was traded to the Denver Broncos during the 2019 offseason. During his two seasons in Denver, he saw limited action, appearing in 26 total games and compiling 27 total tackles to go along with two passes defended. Over the course of 2021 and 2022, Dawson did not make any regular season appearances.
He opened up this past season with the Carolina Panthers where he played sparingly in the preseason, but was ultimately released due to an injury. In October of 2022, he signed with the Steelers' practice squad, and signed a Reserve/Future Contract with the team after the 2023 campaign concluded.
Zach Bolinger / Icon Sportswire via Getty Images
Steelers CB, Duke Dawson, Has A Chance To Compete For A Roster Spot In 2023
The Steelers showed interest in Dawson coming out of Florida, hosting him on a pre-draft visit in April of 2018. Dawson was highly effective during his collegiate career, where he had six career interceptions to go along with 17 passes defended. He was projected as a middle-round prospect due to his football intelligence and ability to play effectively in the slot.
If he has any hope of making the Steelers in 2023, he will first and foremost need to prove he can remain healthy, but also show he still has the ability to be a difference-maker at nickel cornerback. Fortunately for him, the Steelers' depth at the position is razor-thin. This is perhaps Dawson's best chance to make an NFL roster in quite some time. If he can get back to being the type of player he was during his time at Florida, he may be a viable candidate for the team to consider at slot corner.
MARK LOMOGLIO / ICON SPORTSWIRE VIA GETTY IMAGES
Former Florida CB, Duke Dawson
Final Thoughts On Dawson
Dawson will most likely be considered a long shot to crack the 53-man roster of the Steelers in 2023. That said, Khan mentioning Dawson by name during his radio appearance is something to note. The Steelers' have always had an infatuation with bringing in high-round draft picks, and Dawson is just the latest example of this in action.
The importance of the 2023 season for Dawson can not be overstated. If all goes well, he will have a legitimate chance of fighting for a spot in the Steelers' secondary. On the other hand, if the former Florida standout fails to remain healthy, he may be on his way out of the NFL. Only time will tell what the future holds for Dawson. The Steelers are undoubtedly hoping that he can regain his prior form and provide them with a talented player at slot cornerback, a position in which the team has struggled tremendously in finding a long-term answer.
What are your thoughts on Dawson? Do you think he can compete with Sullivan at nickel cornerback? Would you like the team to sign a veteran free agent at the position prior to the start of training camp? Let us know in the comments!
#SteelerNation
