4 Steelers that will be grossly overpaid in 2021 if not cut

Joe Haden

This is where the list gets harder, as Joe Haden is the team’s longest-tenured outside cornerback and is a fan favorite. He was a huge get after the Browns released him, and he has played admirably for the Steelers since. That said, he is getting paid 7 million dollars in 2021 and has the second-highest cap hit of 15.575 million. Given his age and the fact that the Steelers have two younger corners hitting free agency, Haden isn’t worth that money in 2021.

While he played well, and he played better than fellow outside corner Steven Nelson, Haden seemed to have some mistakes that will increase as he gets older. On occasion, he was simply outmatched physically by some receivers. Those issues don’t get better with age, unfortunately, and there is a real chance Haden falls off the cliff next year. If the Steelers keep him over some of the younger guys, it could be a long-term mistake.

Haden had a fine season and has been incredible for the Steelers, but father time seems to be catching up with him this season. Next year, he could easily be the worst corner on this team and give up more big plays. If the team could get either Mike Hilton or Cameron Sutton back with his savings, it may force their hand into cutting the veteran. As well, this cornerback class has a lot of talent at the top of the class, which could make replacing him and saving the money they do a viable option.