Ranking Steelers best free agent signings under Colbert
By Andrew Falce
Steven Nelson, CB
Contract: 3-year, $25.5 million
Steelers Stats: 15 G, 15 GS, 61 tak, 1 int
I couldn’t decide where Steven Nelson deserved to be on this list. He is only year one into his 3-year deal, but quite frankly this may go down as one of Colbert’s best signings when it is all said and done (I wanted to put him higher quite frankly). Nelson was a blessing last year. After years of suffering through abysmal CB play, Nelson came in and locked down the other outside spot across from Joe Haden. Had Nelson come to Pittsburgh, the Steelers would have been faced with starting (gulp) Artie Burns again.
While Nelson’s stats weren’t flashy, he was dominant as a coverage player and didn’t allow a TD last year. While only one INT is a little disappointing, having a capable starter at both CB spots far outweigh flashy picks. With the secondary returning intact next year, expect similar production from Nelson.
Nelson is only 27 years old, and with Haden likely on his last contract with the Steelers, Nelson could be the stable presence the Steelers will need once Haden is gone. While the contract is still new, as time goes on Nelson should cement himself as one of Colbert’s best additions via free agency.