Steven Nelson wants to be recognized as one of the NFL’s best cornerbacks in 2020

In an interview on Tuesday, Steelers cornerback Steven Nelson talked about his goals for the upcoming 2020 NFL season. One of the things Nelson wants to do is to feel he is getting the recognition around the NFL this year he should have received in 2019.

Of course, Nelson does want more than being recognized for just himself. Nelson also wants to be recognized for what he brings to the Steelers secondary, and defense overall, as they are working together as a unit towards winning a championship.

“I definitely feel that I’m underrated,” Nelson stated. “I think a lot of people feel that way as well. This year, one of my goals is to be recognized as one of the better corners in the league, and just my role on this defense just being a professional, veteran guy that’s going to come to work and do my job so we can all reach that same goal.”

Nelson came to the Steelers in 2019 with what is currently the largest free agent contract the team has ever signed. Nelson’s three year, $25.5 million contract with the Steelers came on the heels of the 2018 season where he recorded four interceptions and 15 passes defensed along with 68 tackles as a member of the Kansas City Chiefs.

While Nelson’s interception and passes defensed numbers were higher in 2018, one thing which did come crashing down in a good way in 2019 was touchdowns allowed. According to Pro Football Reference, Nelson gave up five touchdowns as a member of the Chiefs in 2018 while he did not allow any in Pittsburgh last season.

Hopefully the 27-year-old is seeing his production more on the rise after a year in the Steelers defense. Paired alongside Joe Haden, they form one of the better cornerback duos in the NFL. And with All-Pro safety Minkah Fitzpatrick also lurking in the secondary, the Steelers have a chance to really make some noise in 2020. Hopefully the noise they make will give Nelson the recognition around the league he should have already received.

Nelson’s complete statement about being recognized in 2020 can be seen here courtesy of Chris Adamski of the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review.