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It isn’t really breaking news how the Pittsburgh Steelers and Joe Haden are looking to get a new contract done before the start of the season. It isn’t really news how the team wants to keep Haden in Pittsburgh for the next three seasons, meaning a two year extension. But what is news is how the team isn’t looking at a contract extension, but a new deal for Haden.
This per Gerry Dulac of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette:
#Steelers have begun talks with Joe Haden about a new contract, likely a three-year deal that will reduce his $11.9 million cap hit this season. They don't expect a problem. NT Javon Hargrave is next at the checkout counter.
— Gerry Dulac (@gerrydulac) August 6, 2019
Note how the new contract would allow the Steelers to cut down Haden’s $11 million dollar cap hit in 2019 to create more space for the team this offseason.
As an example, if the Steelers were to get Haden for a $5 million dollar cap hit this season, rolling all extra money into a signing bonus, it would save them $6 million on their current cap situation. Combine that with the near $4 million they saved restructuring Stephon Tuitt’s deal earlier this offseason and the team then adds $10 million in salary cap space as the regular season approaches.
What will they do with that money? It could be used in case the team needs to sign a free agent before the season, but if that never happens the money will roll over into the next season’s salary cap.
If Haden cashes in, and it is expected he will sooner rather than later, he will reach some rarefied air for cornerbacks in NFL history.
Joe Haden's next deal will surpass Darrelle Revis ($124.2 million) among cornerbacks who have earned more than $100 million in their career. The only other to earn more than $100 million is Champ Bailey ($102.75 million).
— Gerry Dulac (@gerrydulac) August 6, 2019
Some might not think Haden is worth all of that money, but if the Steelers believe he has three good seasons left in him, he would be the cornerstone of the secondary moving forward.
Stay tuned to BTSC for the latest news and notes surrounding the Pittsburgh Steelers as they prepare for their first preseason action this Friday when the Tampa Bay Buccaneers come to Heinz Field.