Morris Claiborne is an option for the Pittsburgh Steelers

The Pittsburgh Steelers have options with the 20th pick, but many believe their debating between cornerback and linebacker. An issue that could be solved with a free agent signing.

Today, amongst the midst of NFL Draft coverage and predictions, I found an article from SteelersWire. It took a different approach as to how the Steelers could use their first-round pick and make their decision easier. All they need to do is dig into free agency.

The article, written by Curt Popejoy, gave a simple solution to holding off an a cornerback in the NFL Draft – sign Morris Claiborne.

At first, I thought that this seemed far-fetched. Morris Claiborne was a bust for a starter, didn’t do much in Dallas or New York and definitely can’t live up to the potential a first-round cornerback could bring. At 29-years-old, how much could he really add to this team?

But after reading the article it all made sense – Claiborne is an option that provides a bridge for a 2019 rookie. Drafting a first-round linebacker allows them to fill a position of need for now and the future. Vince Williams and Mark Barron, with possibly Jon Bostic, can fill the middle with a developing rookie like Devin Bush.

This leaves the need for a fourth cornerback. After signing Steven Nelson, Pittsburgh doesn’t need someone to fill the outside immediately. Instead, they need someone to play behind Nelson and Joe Haden. Signing Claiborne gives them that backup, and, it allows them to draft a corner in the third round to develop.

It works if they’re serious about filling in the defensive needs. Claiborne isn’t going to sign for much and likely only wants a one-year deal. His time in Pittsburgh shouldn’t last longer than one season, and honestly, he’s a great fit for a team who needs a guy just like him.