The Pittsburgh Steelers' secondary has undergone significant changes this offseason. It began with the trade of star wide receiver Diontae Johnson in exchange for cornerback Donte Jackson. Pittsburgh has held Jackson in high regard since he entered the league, and acquiring him was a no-brainer for the Steelers.
Sebastian Foltz / Post-Gazette
Steelers' Donte Jackson working out with the team at OTAs.
Jackson is expected to form an exciting duo with the young Joey Porter Jr. As a rookie in 2023, Porter impressed fans with his confidence and ability to back up his talk on the field, often shutting down the opposing team's star player. As he enters his second season, Pittsburgh football fans are eager to see Porter take the next step in his career.
In a surprising move, Pittsburgh also brought back former cornerback Cam Sutton, who had left the team for the Detroit Lions the previous season. Sutton found himself in legal trouble and was released by the Lions. However, Pittsburgh's good relationship with Sutton gave them the confidence to offer him a second chance despite his legal situation.
Porter, Jackson, and Sutton are exciting players, but Pittsburgh also has two young cornerbacks with potential: Darius Rush and Cory Trice Jr. Trice was sidelined before the season began due to injury, which limited his growth. Rush appeared in three games in 2023, recording three combined tackles and one pass defensed. However, Rush has had a strong offseason so far. Many Pittsburgh football fans are curious if he may get more chances in the upcoming season.
Brian Batko, the Steelers insider for the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, recently shared his insights on Rush's potential during his weekly episode of the Chipped Ham and Football podcast.
"I do think they like him. I did think he made some plays in OTAs and minicamp, for whatever that's worth.... I like the talent, I like the potential for opportunity for Rush, and I think he's somebody who's got a better chance of breaking out than, say, Cory Trice [Jr.].”
Rush had limited opportunities to make an impact in 2023. According to Batko, he wasn't fully ready at the time. However, Batko envisions a scenario where Rush could have a greater impact, but this would likely depend on Jackson not performing up to Pittsburgh's expectations.
KARL ROSER / PITTSBURGH STEELERS
Pittsburgh Steelers cornerback Darius Rush (left) embraces former teammate Patrick Peterson (right) in a regular season game at Acrisure Stadium in 2023.
"They grabbed him last year off of waivers and threw him out there once or twice," Batko said about Rush. "He probably wasn't quite ready for the moment. This would probably be contingent on Donte Jackson faltering at outside corner for Rush to get out there.”
Rush was drafted in the fifth round of the 2023 NFL Draft after a solid career at South Carolina. Initially picked by the Indianapolis Colts, he was quickly waived and picked up by the Kansas City Chiefs. After being waived again by the Chiefs, he ended up on their practice squad. In mid-October, Pittsburgh signed Rush off the Chiefs' practice squad.
Steelers' Darius Rush Looking For More Chances In 2024
Rush has struggled in his first NFL season, bouncing between teams and practice squads. However, in Pittsburgh, Batko believes he has a better chance of getting an opportunity and making an impact. Batko even suggests that Rush might have a better chance to make an impact than Trice, another promising player with serious potential. Trice was drafted in the seventh round of the 2023 NFL Draft, but didn't get a chance to prove himself due to a pre-season injury.
Trice's draft position was affected by his injury concerns, which have so far proved valid. Now, Rush and Trice will both be competing for more opportunities in 2024. Batko is betting that Rush will have a greater impact. Pittsburgh's secondary has an exciting outlook with Porter, Jackson, and Sutton.
Gene J. Puskar / AP
Steelers cornerback Cory Trice Jr. during a practice.
However, Sutton's potential legal issues could result in a punishment from the NFL, which might give Rush a greater opportunity early in the 2024 season. Pittsburgh fans remain focused on the cornerback room, eagerly watching the young players vying for opportunities.
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