The Pittsburgh Steelers are far from done making moves in the early part of free agency, but don’t think all those moves would be in additions; rather, subtractions will happen as well. The first reported release was to veteran cornerback William Gay, and while he won’t be the only player given a chance to find new territory, he certainly was the first.
At this time we’d like to update the team’s depth chart at cornerback, a position which was once much maligned among the fan base, but has now turned into one with tremendous promise.
2018 Steelers CB Depth Chart (As of 3/12/18)
Artie Burns
Joe Haden
Mike Hilton
Cameron Sutton
Coty Sensabaugh
Brian Allen
While the Steelers’ dismissal of Gay wasn’t a shock to many, the team could be looking to add another cornerback in the draft and/or free agency. Coty Sensabaugh could be another cap casualty, and if this does happen the team will want more than five or six players on their active roster with actual NFL experience.
Artie Burns is entering his third season, Haden is a trusted veteran, Mike Hilton is going into Year 2 as a starter, Sutton is ready to take over Gay’s role as dime defensive back and Allen is a freakish athlete with size and speed, just needing some finish to get on the field.
At one time the Steelers’ defensive back depth chart was the punch line for jokes, and while maybe not considered ‘elite’, the cornerbacks’ arrow is certainly pointing up, as Mike Tomlin would say.