3 free agent cornerbacks Steelers should consider signing

D.J. Haden (6M)

If the Steelers want to go a slightly different route, perhaps they could go with a cornerback like D.J. Hayden. Hayden turns 31 years old this offseason – making him roughly two-and-a-half years older than a player like Brian Poole. But considering the win-now circumstances, this is a player who is worth exploring.

At 5’11 1/8”, Hayden has more size and length than a player like Poole, and this could give him some inside-out flexibility with the team – depending on where they intend to use Cameron Sutton in nickel packages. Hayden played his entire rookie contract with the Raiders. He then had a brief stint in Detriot before joining the Jacksonville Jaguars – where he has been the past three seasons.

Hayden played just 5 games in 2020 before his season ended with a hamstring injury. However, he was thoroughly impressive in both 2018 and 2019 for the Jags – earning top-25 grades in both seasons. Because of his recent season-ending injury and his age, the Steelers may be able to pick up D.J. Hayden at a similar cost to Brian Poole. This is at least something worth exploring.