5 Pittsburgh Steelers players who won’t be back in 2022

Steelers CB Joe Haden

I don’t know if there’s a soul out there who believes that Joe Haden is somehow returning to play for the Steelers in 2021. Haden and his agent made that abundantly clear this offseason. After his agent reached out to the team about a contract extension before the season, Pittsburgh respectfully declined — resulting in Haden saying his early farewells on social media.

While Haden has been an excellent free agent signing by this team (one of the best in the Kevin Colbert era), his ride with the Steelers is soon coming to an end. Haden will turn 33 years old next offseason, and Pittsburgh would be wise to find younger, fresher, and cheaper talent elsewhere — especially considering they could have some real spending money for the first time in a few years.

History tells us that paying cornerbacks well into their 30’s is an investment that never pans out well. We saw former Defensive Player of the year, Stephon Gilmore, get traded for pennies earlier this month, and Haden is worth even less right now.

Pittsburgh fans can be grateful to the veteran for the Pro Bowl appearance and 10 interceptions he brought this team over the past five years, but it will soon be time to say goodbye.