The Pittsburgh Steelers signed Desmond King to a one-year contract on August 30 after he failed to make the Houston Texans roster out of training camp. It was believed that the former All-Pro would be able to boost the slot cornerback position, while also offering help in the kick return game. But it appears like his stint with the team could be coming to an end after the defensive back posted a cryptic tweet on Tuesday night.
Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers
Pittsburgh Steelers cornerback Desmond King II hopes to fill the nickel slot position for the Steelers in 2023.
In a post on X (formerly Twitter), King states that he's "on to the next." There isn't a lot of context here, but it sounds like he could be talking about changing teams. King started his career with the then-San Diego Chargers before being traded to the Tennessee Titans in 2020. He spent 2021 and 2022 in Houston before winding up in Pittsburgh for 2023.
WELP ON TO THE NEXT‼️
— Desmond E. King II (@blaqbadger14) October 18, 2023
Shortly after King's tweet, NFL Network insider Tom Pelissero shared the news that the Steelers DID inform King that he was going to be released.
The #Steelers informed veteran CB Desmond King they plan to release him if they can't find a trade partner, per source.
— Tom Pelissero (@TomPelissero) October 18, 2023
King has played in 98 career games (53 starts). An experienced nickel available.
In a corresponding move, Pelissero reports that the Steelers are signing cornerback Darius Rush off of the Kansas City Chiefs practice squad. Rush was drafted in the fifth round of the 2023 NFL Draft by the Indianapolis Colts. But Rush failed to make the Colts 53-man roster out of training camp and was released.
NBC Sports
Rush was beaten out by seventh round draft pick Jaylon Jones. When asked what went into cutting Rush, Colts General Manager Chris Ballard’s answer was pretty simple.
“That’s a good question, that was hard. Jaylon Jones,” Ballard said during his press conference.
Steelers Left With Big Disappointment
The news of King's release could have something to do with the fact that Anthony McFarland is now ready to return to the lineup. McFarland is the starting kick returner, which is a spot that King has been occupying since Gunner Olszewski lost the job after making an insanely stupid play against the Cleveland Browns in Week 2. Another factor could be that Patrick Peterson will be spending a lot more time in the slot with Joey Porter Jr. receiving an increase in playing time. Even without the rookie officially starting, it's believed that Porter is going to continue to push Peterson to the slot in nickel and dime situations.
Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers
Steelers cornerback, Joey Porter Jr. (#24) looks in the distance during the team's 2023 minicamp at the UPMC Sports Complex in Pittsburgh, PA.
It's safe to say that King was a huge disappointment for the Steelers. The team kept King inactive for the first two games of the season and he's only played 1 snap on defense according to Sports Reference. For comparison, teammate Chandon Sullivan has played a minimum of 18 snaps on defense over the past three games, while King has been active.
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