The Pittsburgh Steelers traded wide receiver Diontae Johnson in part due to his apparent inability to be a leader in the locker room, but it didn't hurt that the organization was able to add to a weak cornerback group in the process. Joey Porter Jr. is the unquestioned top guy going into his second season, but the acquisition of Donte Jackson was certainly a positive and an underrated piece of the Johnson trade. With all of the questions surrounding the receiving core, General Manager Omar Khan also needs to add an experienced and reliable cornerback to the secondary before the 2024 season begins.
%202023%20Camp%20Final%20with%20Logos/2L9A7671-544x306.jpg "Steelers Omar Khan")
Jordan Schofield / SteelerNation (X: @JSKO_PHOTO)
Steelers General Manager Omar Khan signs for and meets with fans during the team's 2023 training camp in Latrobe, PA.
Big-name play-makers such as Xavien Howard and JC Jackson remain available, but given the Steelers' history, a touch of familiarity will be taken into account when signing a free agent in the summer, or possibly sooner. Three names come to mind and Head Coach Mike Tomlin is no stranger to any of them, making inking one of them to a deal even more likely.
1.) Cameron Sutton
It was recently reported that Cameron Sutton and the Steelers met in Pittsburgh following the defender's legal troubles and release from the Detroit Lions. The organization wouldn't extend an offer without knowing Sutton was going to resolve everything going on off the field, but the alleged meeting certainly tells fans that Tomlin and co. are interested in getting Sutton back to the Steel City.
Sutton had a warrant out for his arrest and according to Pro Football Talk, entered a pretrial diversion program in order to resolve a misdemeanor charge. The Steelers will be patient in any approach to sign Sutton, but the team's 2017 draft pick could absolutely be wearing the black and gold once again. His release may have delayed bringing back the next cornerback on this list.
Jordan Schofield / SteelerNation (X: @JSKO_PHOTO)
Former Steelers cornerback Cameron Sutton leaps to snag a football out of the air as the team warms up prior to a 2022 regular season game at Acrisure Stadium in Pittsburgh, PA.
2.) Patrick Peterson
Pittsburgh grabbed Patrick Peterson at the very backend of his career after he put together Hall of Fame numbers since being drafted in 2011. He lasted only one year in the Steel City, but could find his way back, especially if another team isn't willing to overpay for his services. It's not that he was terrible for the Steelers in 2023, but he definitely wasn't worth a hefty price tag in 2024.
Peterson played in all 17 games while snagging two interceptions with the Steelers, but it might be his ability to be more versatile that triggers a desire to get him back in the building. With injuries plaguing the franchise's defense in 2023, Peterson stepped up and it was clear he could do more than just play as a cornerback on the outside. It's also never bad to have a future Hall of Fame candidate in the locker room.
3.) Steven Nelson
Remember Steven Nelson? The cornerback was adamant in recent months about how wrong Pittsburgh was to cut him in 2021. That potential disdain is what lands him third here, but never rule out a reunion with Tomlin and Steelers. Nelson is nearing the age of 32, but had four interceptions with the Houston Texans in 2023, proving that he still has some left in the tank.
During the 2019 and 2020 seasons with Pittsburgh, Nelson picked off a quarterback just three times, but was solid in coverage. The former third-round pick of the Kansas City Chiefs can clearly still play and a depleted secondary for the Steelers can use all the help it can get as the 2024 regular season approaches. Cory Trice Jr. and Ryan Watts will not be proven starters by the time games matter, making it all the more important to find a veteran that can be relied on.
Pittsburgh Steelers
Former Steelers cornerback Steven Nelson walks on the playing surface at then-Heinz Field during a practice in Pittsburgh, PA.
Steelers Set To Build Off Of Porter's Early Success
There is still work to be done for Pittsburgh at the cornerback position. Many believed the franchise may go after the position early in the 2024 NFL Draft, but that was not the case. A veteran addition can be looked at as a Band-Aid in the interim, but there is no doubt that one is likely coming. It makes too much sense for the organization to go after a familiar face.
Do you think the Steelers will sign a former member of the team before the 2024 season begins? Let us know in the comments below!
#SteelerNation
