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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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William Gay, CB

Dec 13, 2015; Cincinnati, OH, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers cornerback William Gay (22) against the Cincinnati Bengals at Paul Brown Stadium. The Steelers won 33-20. Mandatory Credit: Aaron Doster-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 13, 2015; Cincinnati, OH, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers cornerback William Gay (22) against the Cincinnati Bengals at Paul Brown Stadium. The Steelers won 33-20. Mandatory Credit: Aaron Doster-USA TODAY Sports /

William Gay is another defensive back certainly enjoying his second stint with the Pittsburgh Steelers. He was drafted by the Steelers in the fifth round of the 2007 NFL Draft out of Louisville. He played for the Steelers from 2007-2011 and then went off to “Pittsburgh West” the Arizona Cardinals for the 2012 season before returning to Pittsburgh.

For the 2015 season Gay was named a defensive team captain and has played in 144 consecutive regular-season games. He was the only NFL cornerback to not allow a touchdown for the entire 2015 season and he also set an NFL record when he got Bengals QB A.J. McCarron for a pick-six for his fifth-straight pick-six.

That pick-six led to one of the most epic touchdown celebrations ever recorded.

Gay also tied Rod Woodson for the most interceptions as a Pittsburgh Steeler.

ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler reported from the NFL Scouting Combine

that his sources indicated that the Steelers were looking to bring Gay back for a 10

th

NFL season.

I can see this move making sense for the team but I would hope that it also includes a contract offer to Brandon Boykin as the two of them worked well together on the field during both playoff games.

Gay was undeniably the Steelers’ most reliable cornerback for the 2015 season but the team would benefit more from having him in a No. 2 role with a clear No. 1 corner. Let’s hope they can find him.

Next: Robert Golden

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