The Steelers parted ways with Cortez Allen just two years after offering him a contract worth $24 million.
When the Steelers released Cortez Allen on April 15, it came as somewhat of a surprise. I stress somewhat. While Allen appeared to be on the chopping block ever since the end of the 2015-16, it wasn’t ridiculous to think that Allen might be given one final chance to justify the 24 million dollar contract the Steelers gave him in 2014.
After all, he did show flashes of brilliance during his short career (6 interceptions and 3 forced fumbles in only 18 starts), and he was one of only three experienced corners left on the roster.
Clearly, however, the organization determined that his potential big play ability did not outweigh his inconsistent coverage skills and his propensity for misplaying deep passes.
Assessing the Damage
Allen’s release, along with the departures of Antwon Blake and Brandon Boykin through free-agency, has left the team with a small crater to fill at the corner position. As of now, they have only two players on the roster with NFL in-game experience: William Gay and Ross Cockrell.
While still a solid player, Gay is 31 and fast approaching senior citizen status in NFL years. Cockrell is seven years younger, shows a mental aptitude for the game, and is capable of making plays. Still, he also showed signs of inconsistency and a lack of pedigree in only his second year in the league.
The wild card in this scenario is Senquez Golson, who appears ready to bounce back from a shoulder injury that ended his rookie season before it ever began. Yet, will he grasp the defense and will the team be able to depend on him to contribute at a high level? These are huge questions still to be answered.
Last year’s fourth round pick, Doran Grant saw scant playing time after being released before the season started only to be signed back to the practice squad and, eventually, to the active roster. It’s speculated he may be moved to safety where there’s also a need for talent and bodies.
The only other two CBs listed on the current roster are Isaiah Frey and Al-Hajj Shabazz.
Current State of Affairs
If the Steelers’ season started today, they would be set on defense, at least technically speaking. Here’s how the roster would shape up:
Starting D-Line: Cam Heyward/Daniel McCullers/Stephon Tuitt
Reserves: Ricardo Mathews (free agent signing from San Diego)/Roy Philon/L.T. Walton
Starting Linebackers: Jarvis Jones/Ryan Shazier/Lawrence Timmons/Bud Dupree
Reserves: James Harrison/Steven Johnson/Vince Williams/Arthur Moats
Starting Safeties: Mike Mitchell/Robert Golden
Reserves: Shamarko Thomas/Doran Grant
While not ideal, the team would be set with its starters and reserves at every area except cornerback:
Starters: William Gay/Ross Cockrell
Reserves: Senquez Golson
Assuming Grant switches to safety, the Steelers are in need of at least two and, maybe, three more corners.
Potential Moves?
It’s possible that the team could look to make a trade, dealing draft picks for a current stud corner already under contract with another team. That being said, it’s probably best to check that idea at the door. The Steelers traditionally don’t trade away draft picks for star players, and they’re already minus a fifth round pick due to last year’s Brandon Boykin trade. History shows that they prefer to draft top college prospects and develop them themselves.
Is it possible that they could look to add a veteran free agent corner? Certainly. There are still some out there, Leon Hall being one of the most notable ones. However, the price would have to be right. While the release of Cortez Allen will free up cap space, the team will most likely use that money to help lock up a rising star, most notably David DeCastro, for the long term.
Signs Point to DB
So that leaves the draft. It’s no coincidence that the Steelers have entertained several defensive backs leading up to the NFL draft on April 29. Also, the 2016 NFL draft is reported as being deep at corner. Some prospects that the Steelers may be leaning towards that could be available when they pick are Eli Apple of Ohio State and William Jackson III of Houston.
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There is also the possibility that a top ten prospect may slide to them, as was the case with DeCastro in 2012.
In any case, the early prognostications are that Steelers are poised to select a cornerback in the first round for the first time since selecting Chad Scott in 1997. Today’s mock draft from bleacherreport.com has the Steelers taking Apple.
Whatever the name, a safe bet is that the Steelers round one selection come April 28 will be a cornerback.