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Steelers Free Agency: Defensive Backs

By Kim Myers

Jan 17, 2016; Denver, CO, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers cornerback William Gay (22) and defensive back Brandon Boykin (25) celebrate after a defensive stop against the Denver Broncos during the third quarter of the AFC Divisional round playoff game at Sports Authority Field at Mile High. Mandatory Credit: Matthew Emmons-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 17, 2016; Denver, CO, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers cornerback William Gay (22) and defensive back Brandon Boykin (25) celebrate after a defensive stop against the Denver Broncos during the third quarter of the AFC Divisional round playoff game at Sports Authority Field at Mile High. Mandatory Credit: Matthew Emmons-USA TODAY Sports /
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Antwon Blake, CB

Jan 9, 2016; Cincinnati, OH, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers cornerback Antwon Blake (41) intercepts a pass during the second quarter against the Cincinnati Bengals in the AFC Wild Card playoff football game at Paul Brown Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Christopher Hanewinckel-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 9, 2016; Cincinnati, OH, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers cornerback Antwon Blake (41) intercepts a pass during the second quarter against the Cincinnati Bengals in the AFC Wild Card playoff football game at Paul Brown Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Christopher Hanewinckel-USA TODAY Sports /

One of Steeler Nation’s favorite punching bags Antwon Blake wasn’t necessarily as bad as fans made him out to be. He had two interceptions, a forced fumble, a sack and 76 tackles in 2015 after starting every game at corner for the first time in his career.

Blake was signed by the Jacksonville Jaguars as an undrafted free agent out of UTEP in 2012. He was picked up by the Steelers in 2013 off of waivers and thanks to a combination of injuries and benching he made it all the way to the starting lineup by the 2015 regular season.

The Steelers drafted Senquez Golson in the second round of the 2015 NFL Draft but he spent his rookie season on injured/reserve, paving the way for Blake to potentially have a break-out season. He didn’t exactly have that breakout season and was often out-matched on one-on-one scenarios.

I feel like there’s a chance that the Steelers re-sign Blake and I can already hear the complaints from fans. I don’t think it would be a bad thing to bring him back as long as he’s not expected to see the majority of the playing time and there are upgrades around him.

The Steelers need to upgrade their corners with bigger corners and Blake at 5’ 9” isn’t exactly an upgrade. There are other corners under six feet that the Steelers should bring back other than Blake.

Next: Brandon Boykin

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