:format(webp)/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/48981069/usa-today-9027724.0.jpg)
It didn't take long for the rumors to swirl when Brice McCain was released by the Miami Dolphins a few weeks ago. Talk of a possible reunion in the Steel City made sense, and when the team reportedly was planning on working out McCain it seemed like an actual option.
Those hopes were dashed for fans of the Pittsburgh Steelers Wednesday with reports stating McCain has come to an agreement on a new deal with the Tennessee Titans.
Former Dolphins CB Brice McCain reached agreement today with the Tennessee Titans, per league source.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) March 2, 2016
The contract reunites McCain and former Steelers defensive coordinator Dick LeBeau. Since McCain was not under contract, he does not have to wait until free agency begins on March 9th to sign a new deal. With plenty of teams interested in his services at cornerback, he very well could have chosen the highest bidder. If that was the case, it would explain why he didn't choose Pittsburgh, as they don't have nearly as much cap space compared to other NFL franchises.
The Steelers will look to get younger at the cornerback position, but the personnel who will be on the field in 2016 is anything but certain as Antwon Blake, William Gay and Brandon Boykin are all set to become unrestricted free agents in less than a week.
The only returning cornerbacks on the roster are Senquez Golson, Ross Cockrell and Doran Grant. To say they need to address the cornerback position might be a huge understatement. Look for the team to make a move in free agency, as well as in the upcoming 2016 NFL Draft, to fill the gaping holes in an already porous secondary which ranked 30th in the NFL in 2015.
UPDATE:
I'm told Brice McCain's deal with the #Titans is for $5M over two years. Base salary of $2.2M per.
— Rand Getlin (@Rand_Getlin) March 2, 2016