The cornerback position has been an issue for the Pittsburgh Steelers over the last few seasons. The front office has addressed the issue by signing Levi Wallace prior to the start of the 2022 season and then signing future Hall of Famer Patrick Peterson in 2023. They also selected Joey Porter Jr. and Cory Trice in the 2023 NFL Draft. With Trice going on injured reserve during training camp, Porter Jr. having a nagging ankle injury that caused him to miss the first preseason game, and the declining play from James Pierre, it's likely Pittsburgh will make a move to bring in some more talent at the position.
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Steelers cornerback James Pierre will not be complacent in 2023.
Pierre had a rough outing in the team's first preseason game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Defensive coordinator, Teryl Austin, was even questioning where Pierre stood on the roster at the team's first practice. He stated he didn't know whether Pierre was the fifth cornerback or just a special teams player. Due to his play and injury concerns with other cornerbacks, the Steelers are starting to look for outside help at the position.
The front office has recently signed Neville Clark, who played in the USFL last season and hasn't played in the NFL since 2020 when he was with the Minnesota Vikings for training camp. They are also hosting veteran cornerback Corn Elder on a visit and workout. It is likely they will need to find players that have had more success in their football career in case they need to see the field due to all the injury concern.
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Steelers' Could Sign Veteran Cornerback Casey Heyward
Steelers Could Sign Veteran Cornerback Casey Heyward
Casey Heyward is a current veteran free agent who last played with the Atlanta Falcons in 2022. He was originally drafted by the Green Bay Packers in 2012 and was with the team through the 2015 before signing with the San Diego / Los Angeles Chargers. He had his most success with the Chargers, making the Pro Bowl in 2016 and 2017. Heyward was also named a Second Team All-Pro during those years. He eventually left the Chargers after the 2020 season, signing with the Las Vegas Raiders.
Heyward once led the NFL in interceptions in 2016, and has played in the league for 11 seasons. He is a seasoned veteran that has gained a lot of knowledge over the course of his career and has had a good amount of success in the NFL, it could be beneficial to have him in the cornerback room to help guys like Porter Jr. and Trice while he recovers from his injury.
Heyward will also be able to play and be reliable in games. He wouldn't have to start since Wallace and Peterson will likely be the starting cornerbacks to begin the season, with Porter Jr. getting some playing time as well. Heyward would provide the added depth the Steelers are looking for, and is a proven player in the league who the coaching staff would not have to worry about putting on the field.
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Steelers Could Sign Bryce Callahan
Steelers Should Sign Bryce Callahan
Another option for the Steelers in free agency is Bryce Callahan. He is slightly younger than Heyward, if he finds his way onto a team this season. It would be his ninth year in the NFL. He last played for the Chargers in 2022, before that he spent the first seven years of his career with the Chicago Bears and the Denver Broncos. He went undrafted in 2015, but has still found a way to carve himself out a nice career in the league.
By no means is Callahan slowing down either, in his eighth season in 2022, he recorded his career high in tackles while also having three interceptions. If Callahan signed with the Steelers, he would be an asset immediately as he has played full seasons in his career as both an outside corner and a slot corner. The versatility he provides would be extremely valuable for Pittsburgh.
Callahan played for $1.1 million in 2022, due to his successful year, it is likely he will be looking for something in the ballpark of $2 million in annual value. The front office should strongly consider signing Callahan because of his versatility and experience alone.
What do you think the Steelers will do to fix their depth at cornerback, Steeler Nation? Let us know in the comments below!
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