The Pittsburgh Steelers completed the 2024 preseason with a 24-17 loss to the Detroit Lions. Despite dropping their third straight game this preseason, there was plenty to like that was put on tape. The first-team offense put points on the board for the first time under Offensive Coordinator Arthur Smith, and several depth players like Nick Herbig showed their growth against backups. Head Coach Mike Tomlin preached putting the positives from practice on the field, and after Saturday, it finally feels as though the team has taken that step forward.
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Steelers training camp huddle led by Mike Tomlin.
The black and gold was not without problems, however, as the team still struggles to find their starting slot corner. Cameron Sutton recorded an interception on a tipped ball in his return to Ford Field, but with his pending eight-game suspension, and the decline in confidence towards rookie Beanie Bishop Jr., the Steelers yet again should look for outside help to solve their biggest defensive problem.
With the deadline for final roster cuts rapidly approaching, there are some familiar faces General Manager Omar Khan can call to return to Pittsburgh in 2024, as well as a potential newcomer.
Patrick Peterson (Previous Team: Pittsburgh Steelers)
Patrick Peterson has been linked to the Steelers since the team cut him earlier this offseason. Given his familiarity with Teryl Austin's system, and versatility as a 12 year veteran, Pittsburgh could look to bring him back to fill the void at slot corner. Peterson may not be perfect, but is a player that was productive in Pittsburgh as the team rebuilt its secondary a season ago.
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Patrick Peterson provides a veteran leadership for Joey Porter Jr. during his rookie season for the Steelers in 2023.
Peterson was arguably the best corner the Steelers had in 2023, aside from Joey Porter Jr. Peterson was tied Levi Wallace for the team lead in passes defended with 11 and was tied with four other players for the team lead in interceptions with two. With Super Bowl aspirations on the table, Tomlin and the Steelers will be looking for consistency at key positions. A player with Hall of Fame potential like Peterson should be able provide that consistency in Pittsburgh, even at the age of 34.
Chandon Sullivan (Previous Team: Pittsburgh Steelers)
Another former member of the Steelers, Chandon Sullivan was a player that many expected to return given his relative success in the slot in the 2023 season. Yet, as the Steelers complete their preseason matchups, Sullivan remains a free agent looking for a home in 2024.
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The Steelers have tried out several players at the nickel cornerback spot in 2023, including Chandon Sullivan.
In his lone season in Pittsburgh, Sullivan started 17 games, recording 22 tackles and forcing two turnovers. Sullivan was the main contributor in the slot in 2023 as he played 422 snaps at the position, allowing a 60.7 completion percentage to opposing quarterbacks.
He also led the team in opposing quarterback rating when targeted at 59.4. Sullivan was far from being the best slot corner in the NFL, but is a capable player who won't command a high salary. A perfect solution that can fill the need for the Steelers until Sutton returns.
JC Jackson (Previous Team: New England Patriots)
At one time, Jackson was a prime free-agent target that earned a massive five year $82.5 million contract in 2022 with the Los Angeles Chargers. Since 2022 however, Jackson has played for two different teams and now resides in free agency with two years remaining on his current deal. During his prime as a member of the New England Patriots, Jackson recorded 25 interceptions in his first four seasons playing primarily in the slot.
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Former New England Patriot JC Jackson lines up in front of Steelers fans in Pittsburgh.
Jackson hasn't shown that same production since his first stint in New England, but could rebound under the right circumstances as he enters into his age 29 season. The five-year veteran will be unavailable for one game this season, as he serves a suspension for a violation of the leagues Personal Conduct Policy, but with this extra week to prepare and adjust to the Steelers' system, Jackson can be another low risk/high reward option for Khan in 2024.
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