The Pittsburgh Steelers are gearing up for a crucial offseason, and one of their top priorities is bolstering their cornerback position. While they have multiple needs to address, finding a strong cornerback to pair with emerging star Joey Porter Jr. is high on their list of priorities.
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Steelers' Joey Porter Jr. (24) in a Wild Card matchup in Buffalo.
Porter made a significant impact in the 2023 season, consistently shadowing some of the NFL's top wide receivers and significantly limiting their effectiveness. However, the Steelers' secondary could use a reliable cornerback on the opposite side to create a formidable duo.
Steelers Listed As Landing Spot For L'Jarius Sneed
Pro Football Focus, a respected, yet controversial source for NFL analysis, recently highlighted Kansas City Chiefs' standout cornerback L'Jarius Sneed as a potential addition to the Steelers' roster in 2024. In a list of four teams they believe Sneed could play for in the upcoming season, the Steelers were among the top contenders. The other teams mentioned were the Chiefs (his current team), San Francisco 49ers, and Philadelphia Eagles.
Who should sign L'Jarius Sneed this offseason? pic.twitter.com/CSfSWBT1Bs
— PFF (@PFF) January 24, 2024
Sneed, who signed a four-year, $3,929,320 contract with the Chiefs in July 2020, has been a key player in their defense. His contract included a $634,320 signing bonus, $634,320 guaranteed, and an average annual salary of $982,330. However, as of the 2024 offseason, Sneed is set to become an unrestricted free agent.
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Kansas City Chiefs star cornerback, L'Jarius Sneed has been pegged as a landing spot for the Steelers.
In the 2023 season, Pro Football Focus rated Sneed with an overall ranking of 71.1. He contributed significantly to the Chiefs' success with 65 solo tackles and two interceptions. Sneed's exceptional performance played a vital role in maintaining the Chiefs' formidable secondary throughout their journey to the Super Bowl.
Pairing Sneed with Porter has the potential to create a nightmarish matchup for opposing quarterbacks. The thought of two young and dynamic cornerbacks patrolling the field is a tantalizing prospect for Steeler Nation as well. The combination of their abilities could be a game-changer for the Steelers' defense, giving them the edge they need to compete at the highest level.
For years, TJ Watt has been the linchpin of the Steelers' defense, consistently delivering exceptional performances and serving as a cornerstone of their success. However, as the team undergoes changes on the offensive side of the ball, the weight on Watt's shoulders becomes increasingly challenging to bear. It's evident that the defense needs additional support, and the secondary, in particular, demands attention and improvement.
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Pittsburgh Steelers edge rusher, TJ Watt (90) getting hyped up during a game.
To ensure the continued effectiveness of the Steelers' defense, it's imperative that the secondary steps up to the plate. In the fast-paced and ever-evolving NFL, a robust secondary is essential for preventing opposing offenses from exploiting vulnerabilities. While individual talent can make a difference, a cohesive and skilled secondary unit is what truly elevates a defense. In this context, the Steelers would be wise to invest in bolstering their cornerback position.
While it's not highly probable that the Chiefs would willingly part with Sneed, considering his exceptional on-field performance, the NFL operates within a business-oriented framework, and free agency provides players like Sneed the autonomy to explore better opportunities or make strategic career decisions. In this competitive landscape, there's nothing preventing Sneed from pursuing a path that aligns with what he perceives as a more advantageous business decision for his future.
If the Steelers elect to pursue Sneed, it would cause a ton of excitement around the fan base in the Steel City. Sneed's exceptional 2023 season has garnered attention across the league, and the Steelers hopefully will recognize the opportunity to potentially secure a top-tier cornerback. If they can successfully acquire Sneed's services, it would be a significant step towards achieving their goals of glory in the 2024 NFL season.
The Steelers have been pegged as a landing spot for several star cornerbacks now. The hope among Steelers fans is that Pittsburgh will make a splash in the secondary this offseason.
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