Former Steelers cornerback Joe Haden could be an option for Patriots

Former Steelers cornerback Joe Haden is still on the open market and he could be an option for a hated AFC rival.

The Steelers decided to move into a new chapter of their franchise as they continue to make changes. There is a new front office, changes in the coaching staff, and the roster is full of fresh faces. The cornerback room might have seen the biggest turnover now as they have a new duo of starters entering the fold in 2022.

The days of Joe Haden and Steven Nelson are long over as both have gone their separate ways. We know that both became well respected in the locker room during his time in Pittsburgh. They were one of the best duos for this secondary for the black and gold in recent memory before things were disbanded.

Haden was a leader in the room and brought a certain energy with him that many preferred to have around. He lost a step last year and seemed to struggle at times. It was the first time that this corner has faced the thought of losing speed in the NFL, which continues to get faster.

The franchise decided to go in another direction and get younger by bringing in Ahkello Witherspoon and Levi Wallace as their two outside corners. It seems like the safer bet as Haden continues to age towards retirement. He should still get an opportunity to start for a contender this season.

Joe Haden will not be returning to the Steelers but he might stay in the AFC

Joe Haden is still looking for work as he continues to sit in the free agent market. Many thought that by now he would be at a training camp somewhere in the NFL. That has not happened as the aging veteran continues to weigh the opportunities that are coming his way.

This corner is not the same kind of player that the Steelers got when they initially signed him. He has lost some speed and that could cause his career to start to dwindle going forward. His game is smart, and he provides great leadership to a locker room, especially one that will be in contention.

He will be looking to join a contender for a playoff spot as his years start to lessen. Haden wants to win in this league and that should be his top priority. A team that many fans despise could make a lot of sense for a signing to happen.

The New England Patriots just lost Malcolm Butler for the season, and they could be looking at the current market out there. Terrence Mitchell could be a starter for them as he was in competition with Butler for the starting job before his injury occurred. Perhaps bringing in a veteran to challenge him and potentially become the starter could happen.

It makes sense for both sides as the fit and need are currently there. Haden would get his chance at making the playoffs again with the Patriots and the team would get a starter. He would be a nice pickup for many different teams in contention this year, but New England is making more sense by the day.

There should be other clubs calling the former Steelers corner over the coming days and weeks. Some teams that could make sense are the Kansas City Chiefs, Tampa Bay Buccaneers, LA Rams, and Las Vegas Raiders. All will be pushing for the playoffs and potentially higher than that, which would make sense for this veteran free agent waiting to make his move.

Joe Haden had a nice career with the Steelers, but things are changing for both of them. He should get a job soon and the Patriots would make a lot of sense for both sides.