3 free agents Steelers must consider before training camp

CB Richard Sherman

I recently wrote an article about how Joe Haden is entering cornerback decline age and that we could see his play start to trend in the wrong direction soon. At 33, Richard Sherman is in the same boat. However, I would take my chances with him and bet that the former All-Pro could give the Steelers one good season in 2021.

Sherman is long and physical with terrific ball skills, so he doesn’t need to get by on athleticism alone. With a Steelers defense that generates fast pressure, Sherman could capitalize on the ball coming out quick and help Pittsburgh in the takeaway department.

Wanting Sherman to join the squad has nothing to do with my opinion on Cameron Sutton. Sutton has been fantastic for this team over the past few seasons, and I think he will be able to handle a full-time role. However, every team essentially starts three cornerbacks in today’s NFL, as NFL teams run more 3 and 4 wide receiver packages than ever before.

I’m not saying that James Pierre or Justin Layne can’t be good for the Steelers this year, but why leave something so important to chance when there is so much riding on this season. A combination of Haden and Sherman on the outside with Sutton in the slot would be lethal to opposing quarterbacks.