Steelers' Best Plan At Slot Corner Might Come From A Multitude Of Different Defensive Backs In 2023

The Pittsburgh Steelers have officially wrapped up their 2023 mandatory minicamp. Let the countdown to Latrobe commence, Steeler Nation. With the team in the last stages of finalizing their roster for the 2023 season, there are still a few positions that may need to be addressed, including slot cornerback. While many fans are clamoring for the front office to go out and sign a player such as Bryce Callahan or Bradley Roby, one Pittsburgh Steelers' insider predicts that the front office may feel content with their list of internal candidates. 

During the most recent edition of "Steelers mailbag," written by Brian Batko of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, the question was asked whether or not Damontae Kazee would be a possible solution to fill the nickel corner role. 

"He probably could, but my expectation is for the Steelers to lean on Damontae Kazee heavily at his true safety position. He’s not the type of safety they’ve had next to Minkah Fitzpatrick the last four years, and he’s certainly not a typical strong safety in the Terrell Edmunds mold," Batko answered. 

Who Should The Steelers Play At Slot Corner? 

Batko's assessment of Kazee's role in 2023 seems to be spot on, as he demonstrated the ability to play safety effectively in 2022. So who will end up playing in the slot in 2023? In all likelihood, the Steelers may allow for free agent signing, Chandon Sullivan, to have the first crack, but will also consider players such as Tre Norwood, Elijah Riley and Duke Dawson for the job. 

With that being said, the answer to this question may be more complex than many people realize. As Batko details, the role may be decided on a week-by-week basis with a number of different players being asked to serve in the role. 

"I anticipate the Steelers will rotate so much in the secondary — game to game, series to series, down to down, even second to second pre-snap — that a lot of these discussions will be rendered moot. My guess is [Chandon] Sullivan plays the most out of those three, but Patrick Peterson actually ends up being the nickel corner more than anyone," said Batko. 

Once again, Batko's prediction seems to make sense on a number of different levels. With the complexities that come along with creating a defensive game plan for the high-power offenses that play in the AFC, it may be beneficial to have multiple different defensive backs play the nickel role in 2023. As the team has already mentioned this offseason, they are likely to call upon Peterson to play various different positions. With him shifting inside, it would allow for the team to have their best three corners on the field together in Peterson, Joey Porter Jr. and Levi Wallace. 

Final Thoughts On The Steelers' Secondary 

The modernization of the NFL passing game has led to an increased need for depth in the defensive back room. Furthermore, it has become almost a requirement for players to have an immense amount of versatility when it comes to playing multiple positions. Fortunately for the Steelers, they have members of their secondary who have the ability to play multiple roles. With this being said, the Steelers may still need to consider all of their options regarding adding players to the corner/safety group. 

The team may be done adding players via free agency, but if the 2023 offseason has taught Steelers' fans anything, it is to never count out Omar Khan from making a splash move. Ultimately, the Steelers find themselves in great shape where they have the necessary cap space to sign a player on the open market, yet still have viable internal options to play the nickel corner position. Training camp will serve as the perfect opportunity to see what exactly the coaching staff has in mind for the defense. It won't be long, Steeler Nation. The 2023 season will be here in no time.

How do you feel about Batko's assessment of the slot corner role in 2023? Do you think Peterson will play a majority of the snaps there? Would you still like the team to add a free agent? Be sure to let us know in the comments! 

#SteelerNation