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The Pittsburgh Steelers fan base has been restless, like they are every year during the early days in free agency. While other teams throw ridiculous amounts of money at available players, the Steelers sit tight and wait to pounce on a player who matches what they want, and the type of player they can afford.
According to Ian Rapoport of NFL Network, and others, the Steelers have come to terms with former Kansas City Chiefs cornerback Steven Nelson to a 3-year contract worth $25.5 million dollars.
The #Steelers and free agent CB Steven Nelson agreed to terms on a 3-year deal for $25.5M, source said. Pittsburgh is on the board.
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) March 12, 2019
The deal marks the wealthiest free agent contract in Pittsburgh Steelers history, and is worth $8.5 million a year, per Aaron Wilson of the Houston Chronicle.
Steelers' deal with former Chiefs cornerback Steve Nelson is worth $25.5 million over three years, $8.5 million average, according to a league source
— Aaron Wilson (@AaronWilson_NFL) March 12, 2019
Nelson played his entire rookie career in Kansas City, and played a variety of positions in the defensive backfield. It wasn’t until 2018 when he was given a chance to start on the outside, and he made the most of it.
Starting all 16 games, Nelson tallied 4 interceptions and 15 pass defenses with 68 total tackles to boot.
Nelson, on the day he signs, will immediately become the No. 2 cornerback on the team behind only Joe Haden. He will have an opportunity to not only be a solid piece to the Steelers’ defensive backfield, but to make his impact as an every week starter.
A reminder no deal which has been made in principle during the tampering period is official until the new league year starts on the 13th at 4 p.m. ET.
Stay tuned to BTSC for the latest news and notes on the Steelers as they go throughout th offseason.