Steelers Could Target Former Giants First-Round Pick To Compete With Beanie Bishop Jr. For Slot Corner Job

The Pittsburgh Steelers have had never-ending questions surrounding the quarterback and wide receiver positions throughout the 2024 offseason. Most of those have yet to be answered, but another intriguing area as the regular season rapidly approaches is related to the starting slot/nickel cornerback. Cameron Sutton will begin the year suspended and Grayland Arnold was put on Injured Reserve. Those two situations ultimately have led to the reality that undrafted free agent rookie Beanie Bishop Jr. will start once Week 1 rolls around. There could be another name, however, that General Manager Omar Khan looks into to bolster the competition.

The Steelers have been missing a consistent contributor at the slot position on defense since Mike Hilton elected to leave and join forces with the Cincinnati Bengals, an AFC North divisional rival. Bishop could end up performing at a high level and being a staple of Pittsburgh's defensive unit for years to come, but it would provide him with a little bit of competition if the organization were to bring in a former first-round pick.

The New York Giants selected Deandre Baker with the 30th overall selection in the 2019 NFL Draft. His professional career never ended up becoming what he would have wanted it to be, but apparently, he is looking for another chance.

As Tom Pelissero noted on X, the cornerback was a member of the United Football League's All-Pro Team. He has recently proven that he can compete on the gridiron and with not too many options available, it could absolutely benefit the Steelers to reach out to Baker's new representation. Any former first-rounder at age 27 looking for another shot to prove himself is worth a look at, especially when your nickel corner position looks like Pittsburgh's.

Baker started 15 games for the Giants during his rookie season, but only ended up playing 10 more games in the NFL, and for the Kansas City Chiefs, in 2020 and 2021. The current situation Pittsburgh is in has to make one wonder if reaching out to the University of Georgia product could make sense. Relying on an undrafted rookie in Bishop is not guaranteed to pan out.

It would be nearly impossible for Baker to join the Steelers and earn a starting role by Week 1, as the regular season is roughly two weeks away. That doesn't mean, however, he isn't in football shape and could provide a secondary option relatively soon if Bishop struggles. Any player with a first-round pedigree is worth taking a glance at, especially at the current age of Baker and his prowess in the UFL.

Khan has proven to make some interesting moves since he was promoted in 2022, and this would be the definition of a low-risk, high-reward signing. Baker is 5'11" and roughly 186 pounds. While the organization awaits Sutton's return, it would make sense to bring in a player coming off of success in a different league. A potential move brings competition to Bishop and added depth to the area.

Part of the reason for Baker's downfall was the fact that he was accused of armed robbery in 2020. The charges were dropped, but it still is noteworthy that he was wrapped up in legal troubles, especially because Sutton was much more recently.

Steelers Not Necessarily Overly Concerned With Defense

Pittsburgh's strength is going to be defense in 2024, and maybe even special teams with the legs of Chris Boswell and Cameron Johnston. The offensive unit is going to cause the biggest reason for concern throughout the campaign. It will be imperative for the Steelers to live up to defensive expectations in order to bail out an inconsistent offense, as fans have come to realize. An addition of Baker wouldn't be flashy, but an under-the-radar acquisition.

Do you think Khan should look into adding Baker into the mix at slot corner? Let us know in the comments below!

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