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Yesterday, it was reported the Cleveland Browns were interested in trading Joe Haden, their Pro Bowl cornerback. This caused plenty of speculation surrounding the Pittsburgh Steelers possibly acquiring his services. The two biggest stumbling blocks in the situation were Haden’s health and his hefty contract.
Well, the contract aspect of the situation just got a bit clearer after the Browns released Haden.
End of a Browns era. pic.twitter.com/EhdCjZxeXo
— Jeremy Fowler (@JFowlerESPN) August 30, 2017
With Haden now a free agent, he can now sign with any team he chooses, and according to his agent Drew Rosenhaus, there are plenty of suitors for his services.
1/2 Former Browns CB Joe Haden is not subject to waivers and is free to sign with another team after 4 pm today. And he will.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) August 30, 2017
Joe Haden's agent Drew Rosenhaus on his client: "Tons of interest in him. He will have a new deal with another team by tomorrow afternoon."
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) August 30, 2017
When Rosenhaus speaks of “tons” of interest in his client, well he is certainly just doing his job. Trying to drive up the price by over exaggerating the interest by other teams looking for the cornerback’s services in 2017.
As for the Steelers, now that a trade doesn’t have to take place with the Browns, they should be aggressive going after Haden. Even if just for a one-year contract, the Steelers have watched teams like the New England Patriots pull off these moves to tremendous success. It is time the Steelers follow suit and improve their secondary in on fell swoop.
Would Haden answer all of their questions on defense? No, but there is no doubt he is better than both Ross Cockrell and Coty Sensabaugh.
With the trade out of the picture, do the Steelers pull the trigger to make this deal? They at least better be in the bidding war.