The Pittsburgh Steelers have reportedly released veteran cornerback, Ahkello Witherspoon, who has been with the team for the last two seasons. During his time in Pittsburgh, Witherspoon started seven games and had four interceptions. With the news of his release, the Steelers may be counting on 2023 seventh-round draft pick, Cory Trice, among others to fill the void at backup outside cornerback.
Jordan Schofield / SteelerNation (Twitter: @JSKO_PHOTO)
CB Ahkello Witherspoon Has Been Released By The Steelers
Witherspoon had an interesting tenure with the Steelers after being traded to Pittsburgh by the Seattle Seahawks in 2021. During the 2021 season, he was a healthy inactive for much of the first half of the season, only appearing in nine total games. However, he was highly impactful during the second half of the campaign, leading the team with three interceptions.
The #Steelers have informed veteran CB Ahkello Witherspoon that he’ll be released, source says. He started 7 games over the last two seasons.
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) May 17, 2023
Unfortunately, 2022 was not as kind to Witherspoon as he dealt with injuries and rarely saw the field due to his decline in level of play. He only appeared in four total games this past season, and has ultimately been considered to be an afterthought at the cornerback position with the additions of Trice, as well as second-round pick, Joey Porter Jr.
Writing was on the wall for Ahkello Witherspoon when the Steelers drafted two long outside corners. And re-signed James Pierre. And traded for William Jackson III last year. Basically, a lot of writing. https://t.co/BAih4Ol0YB
— Brian Batko Blue Check (@BrianBatko) May 17, 2023
Witherspoon was set to make $4 million in base salary in 2023, with an overall cap hit of over $5 million. Needless to say, the team was not interested in his services at backup corner with such a high number. At only 28 years old, he still most likely has plenty of quality football left in him, but there was simply no need to have him on the roster in 2023 with the strong depth at secondary for the Steelers.
Jordan Schofield / SteelerNation (Twitter: @JSKO_PHOTO)
Ahkello Witherspoon Will Be Searching For A New Team In 2023
Trice May Be The Next Man Up For The Steelers
With Witherspoon playing elsewhere in 2023, the most logical player to replace him would be Trice, who possesses the necessary ability to play outside the numbers at corner for the Steelers, as Witherspoon did.
Michael Conroy / AP
Cory Trice Is Poised To Be An Impact Player For The Steelers In 2023
With Trice set to gain an opportunity to become an immediate contributor in 2023, there is no denying the former Purdue standout is hungry to succeed. During a recent interview posted on Steelers.com, Trice described what it means to be playing for the Steelers.
"It was a big relief to get the call from the Steelers. At that moment I was ready to go to work. It might have come late, but at that point, I was ready to show to Steelers Nation and the whole Steelers organization, my family and myself, that they won't regret this pick. It was a big relief. It was exciting. It was a great moment for me and my family," said Trice in regard to being drafted by the Steelers.
Thoughts, Steeler Nation?
How do you feel about the Steelers' decision to move on from Ahkello Witherspoon? Do you believe Trice is the next man up? Be sure to let us know in the comments below!
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