5 biggest surprises of the Steelers during the 2021 season

Ahkello Witherspoon, Cornerback

Ahkello Witherspoon joined the Steelers after the team acquired him via trade from the Seattle Seahawks. The marriage between him and his new team started rocky early into the season and until after the LA Chargers game. He did not get much playing time until they faced the Chargers on Sunday night.

That was mostly because it takes a while to learn a new system and play starting football for a new club without having any time. He got time and the coaches wanted to give James Pierre a shot at holding the starting spot. The club had too many injuries and Covid issues so they had to play Witherspoon against the Chargers.

The secondary got completely obliterated in that game but after that things caught on for this player. He is one of the best-graded cornerbacks across the league and the best on the black and gold. He has been a constant for this team that has had some issues in the secondary of the defense.

Many expect him to be brought back instead of Joe Haden as both will head into this offseason looking for new deals. Witherspoon has had a solid stretch run but his production has only been for less than half a season. He will need to continue that and Kevin Colbert will need to decide if that upside is worth a gamble on a new deal.