The Pittsburgh Steelers' wide receiver room has dominated headlines all offseason. Fans and analysts alike are concerned about the lack of depth behind George Pickens. However, another area drawing attention is the cornerback room, particularly the slot corner position.
Sebastian Foltz / Post-Gazette
Steelers' Donte Jackson working out with the team at OTAs.
The Steelers have Joey Porter Jr. and Donte Jackson slated to lock down the outside. They also welcomed back Cam Sutton, who initially built his career in Pittsburgh before leaving for the Detroit Lions. After legal troubles led to his release from Detroit, the Steelers were able to re-sign Sutton, though he is suspended for eight games due to NFL disciplinary action. As a result, the Steelers will likely have to rely on undrafted rookie Beanie Bishop Jr.
Bishop has impressed during training camp, but his inexperience is a cause for concern among Steelers fans. Ray Fittipaldo, speaking on 93.7 The Fan on Thursday, hinted that he believes the Steelers are planning a major move to bring in a veteran cornerback to bolster the depth.
"Maybe you can get a veteran slot corner who can pick things up quickly and you go that route. If not, Beanie Bishop's the guy," Fittipaldo said. "There's really no backup on the roster, other than Thomas Graham [Jr.], who's on the practice squad. We'll see where that goes. I do think they're gonna add one here in the next couple days. Just sit tight. I think it'll happen."
Fittipaldo noted that while Bishop has a tremendous opportunity ahead of him, there's a reason he went undrafted. Although he has impressed the Steelers organization, the team lacks depth behind him. It’s a significant challenge for an undrafted rookie to step in and start right away.
Alysa Rubin / Pittsburgh Steelers
Steelers' Beanie Bishop Jr. holds up his hands during a practice.
This is why Sutton's return excited Steelers fans, despite his legal issues. Sutton has the versatility to play the slot cornerback position, and a trio of Porter, Jackson, and Sutton would form a solid secondary. There were initial concerns about Porter’s availability for Week 1 due to a minor injury, but recent updates indicate that he should be healthy and ready to play.
However, this situation underscores the precarious position the Steelers find themselves in regarding cornerback depth. They are just one injury away from being in a tough spot. With some experienced veteran cornerbacks still available, the Steelers might consider bringing in additional help.
Steelers Still Have Some Decent Options For Veteran Help At Cornerback
Fittipaldo believes the Steelers will almost certainly bring in veteran help at cornerback. While the free agent market is limited at this point, there are still some solid options available. The Steelers don't need a star—they just need experienced depth.
One potential option is bringing back veteran Patrick Peterson, who played both cornerback and safety for the Steelers in 2023. Though the Steelers released Peterson after the season, there have been rumors of mutual interest in a reunion for the 2024 season.
Mark J. Terrill / AP
Former Pittsburgh Steelers cornerback Patrick Peterson (20) runs back with an intercepted pass against the Las Vegas Raiders Sunday, Sept. 24, 2023, in Las Vegas.
Another possibility is former Steeler Ahkello Witherspoon, who started all 17 games for the Los Angeles Rams in 2023 and performed solidly. Witherspoon could be a sensible addition to the Steelers' roster. There are other veteran free agents still available who could also bolster the team's depth.
Fittipaldo is confident that the Steelers will add a veteran to their cornerback room. Steeler Nation is eager to see who that might be.
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