Steelers Will Likely Keep A Close Eye On The Cornerback Market With Roster Cuts Looming

The Pittsburgh Steelers have perhaps their most well-rounded roster in recent memory heading into the 2023 season. With a defense chalked full of All Pro-capable talent and an offense that is poised to take a significant step forward, this team has all the necessary pieces to make a serious run at the AFC North title. With that being said, the Steelers still have a number of questions that need to be answered in regards to their depth at key positions, perhaps most notably cornerback. Depending on how exactly General Manager, Omar Khan, decides to handle players such as James Pierre and Chandon Sullivan, there is a real chance a defensive back who is currently with another team ends up in Pittsburgh prior to the team's Week 1 matchup against the San Francisco 49ers. 

The Steelers' top trio of cornerbacks is set in stone, as Patrick Peterson, Levi Wallace, and Joey Porter Jr. will receive a majority of the group's playing time in 2023. Beyond these three, the team has players such as Pierre, Sullivan, Luq Barcoo, Madre Harper, and Chris Wilcox. Needless to say, the defense could certainly stand to use an upgrade at corner. 

Sullivan, who primarily plays inside the numbers as a slot corner, has performed well in preseason. He is far from a lock to make the 53-man roster, but certainly has a decent chance. Pierre, on the other hand, has failed to prove his consistency during his time in the NFL and may find himself on the outside looking in as the Steelers begin their roster cuts. Ray Fittipaldo, writer for the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, recently published his final 53-man roster prediction. Interestingly enough, he believes Pierre may be playing elsewhere in 2023. 

"James Pierre doesn’t make the cut in this projection. The Steelers won’t go into the season with only three outside corners, so look for Khan to acquire one or grab one off the waiver wire," explained Fittipaldo. 

Could The Steelers Find A Viable Corner On The Waiver Wire?

As Fittipaldo details, there is virtually zero chance the Steelers open the 2023 regular season with only three outside cornerbacks. Therefore, if they do opt to part ways with Pierre, they will need to find another player to fill his void. While final roster cuts have yet to officially take place, there are a number of corners who may become available over the coming days that may help fill the depth in the defensive back room. 

During a recent NFL.com article, Eric Edholm provided a list of players who may be cut or traded over the next few days, including multiple cornerbacks who have starting experience. The two most notable being Darnay Holmes of the New York Giants and Artie Burns of the Seattle Seahawks. Edholm had this to say regarding Holmes' situation with the Giants. 

"Cutting or trading Holmes could wipe out more than $2.7 million from the 2023 cap, and defensive back remains a premium position, so the Giants might be able to flip Holmes and get something in return if he's not in their plans this season." 

Holmes has primarily played in the slot over the course of his NFL career, but at 5'10" and 195 pounds, he seems to have the necessary size to play outside the numbers. Assuming he would be willing to make the transition, he may be a name to keep an eye on if the Giants decide to move on from him. 

Would The Steelers Seriously Consider A Reunion With Burns? 

Before the idea of brining back Burns is completely dismissed, it should not be entirely ruled out. As Edholm points out in his article, the former Steelers' first-round pick has seemingly fallen out the Seahawks' rotation at cornerback and is a legitimate candidate to not make their 53-man roster. Desperate times call for desperate measures, and the Steelers' lack of depth at the cornerback position is not far off from this point. 

If the Steelers hypothetically were interested in a reunion with Burns, would he even want to return to a situation where he struggled so tremendously? Difficult to answer. However, his familiarity within the team's defense is something that should be taken into consideration. He is far from a starting-caliber player at this point in his career, but he could prove to be a viable option as a backup if the Steelers do decide to move on from Pierre. 

Thoughts, Steeler Nation? 

How do you feel about the Steelers' current depth at cornerback? Would you like to see the team bring in a fresh face? Do you think Pierre ends up making the 53-man roster? Be sure to