The Pittsburgh Steelers are hunting for a cornerback to complement the young yet exceptionally talented Joey Porter Jr. The Steelers drafted Porter with the 32nd overall pick in the 2023 draft. In his rookie season, he showcased his prowess, adeptly shadowing opposing star wideouts. However, outside of Porter, the Steelers have no other cornerback currently on the roster that they can rely on.
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Steelers Joey Porter Jr celebrates after getting an interception against the Buffalo Bills
As the Steelers aim to bolster their secondary, they will turn their gaze to the free agent market for reinforcements. Here are the top five cornerback targets the Steelers should prioritize in the 2024 offseason.
1.) Tre'Davious White
Tre'Davious White, a seasoned veteran, dedicated seven productive seasons to the Buffalo Bills. During his tenure, he showcased remarkable prowess, amassing an impressive tally of 18 interceptions and 68 pass deflections. Despite his contributions, the Bills opted to release White to alleviate cap constraints.
Now, the Steelers have an opportunity to acquire this talented cornerback, albeit at a premium. His addition would significantly bolster Pittsburgh's secondary, forming a formidable duo alongside Porter. The idea of a secondary with Porter and White is absolutely one many Steeler fans would be excited about.
2.) Xavien Howard
A four-time Pro Bowler in Xavien Howard found himself released by the Miami Dolphins following the conclusion of the 2023 season, entering a highly competitive free agent pool for cornerbacks. Over his eight-year tenure with the Dolphins, Howard demonstrated his abilities with an impressive 29 interceptions, 95 pass deflections and four forced fumbles. Known for his hard-hitting style and exceptional coverage skills, Howard presents an ideal fit for the Steelers' secondary.
Although at 30 years old, Howard may be approaching the latter stages of his prime, his skill set remains formidable, making him a viable target for the Steelers at the right price.
3.) Chidobe Awuzie
Chidobe Awuzie has served as the cornerstone of the Cincinnati Bengals' cornerback lineup, showcasing reliability on the perimeter. With seven years of NFL experience under his belt at the age of 28, Awuzie brings seasoned expertise to any secondary.
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Cincinnati Bengals CB Chidobe Awuzie
Throughout his career, he has accumulated just six interceptions, 62 pass deflections, and four forced fumbles, but he's exceptional in coverage outside of the numbers. As a talented cornerback in his prime, signing Awuzie is an enticing opportunity for the Steelers to secure valuable talent, potentially swiping a starter from their divisional rival at a reasonable cost.
4.) Darious Williams
At 30 years old, Williams has solidified his role as an outside cornerback with the Jacksonville Jaguars. Despite a sluggish start to his career, he has steadily improved, cementing his place in the NFL. In the 2023 season, Williams emerged as a pivotal figure in the Jaguars' secondary, tallying four interceptions, 19 pass deflections, and two forced fumbles.
While the Steelers may lean towards younger options, Williams offers a cost-effective solution and brings valuable experience to the table. Additionally, his presence would serve as a beneficial mentorship for Porter and the Steelers' developing secondary unit.
5.) Ahkello Witherspoon
Since departing Pittsburgh, the former Steelers' cornerback has experienced a one season resurgence. Initially struggling for playing time during his stint with the Steelers in the 2021 and 2022 seasons, he found a new lease on his career with the Los Angeles Rams, starting in all 17 games.
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Pittsburgh Steelers cornerback Ahkello Witherspoon (25) celebrates an interception against the AFC North rival Cincinnati Bengals last season.
In the 2023 season, he showcased his abilities with three interceptions and 14 pass deflections. While not the most standout cornerback on this list, the prospect of reintroducing Witherspoon to Pittsburgh holds intrigue. The Steelers could leverage his familiarity and potential value, especially considering his success with the Rams.
Steelers Greatly Need Help At Cornerback
The Steelers are in dire need of assistance at the cornerback position, seeking both a reliable partner for Porter and additional depth. While they may address these needs through the draft, they are also expected to explore the abundant options in the free agent market, aiming to bolster their secondary with fresh talent.
As the 2024 offseason unfolds, anticipation brews within Steeler Nation for the potential additions to their roster. The Steelers recognize that strengthening their secondary is crucial to reclaiming their status as contenders for Super Bowl glory. By fortifying their defensive backfield, they aim to enhance their overall team performance and rekindle the championship aspirations that have long defined the Steelers' legacy.
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