3 former Steelers shine bright on fresh fields

2. Ahkello Witherspoon

Kevin Dotson is not the only player who gets an opportunity at a revenge game in Week 7, as Ahkello Witherspoon is also facing the Steelers for the first time since he left the Steelers. However, unlike Dotson, the Steelers didn't get anything back in return for him, as he was released by the team. Witherspoon's time with Pittsburgh was puzzling as he was acquired in exchange for a fifth-round pick in 2021 right before the season, but then looked to be a poor acquisition as he rarely touched the field.

But, late in the year, he finally got his chance and thrived when given an opportunity. He played so well down the stretch, that he was given a 2-year deal after the year to stay with the team. However, things soured for him after that, as his play declined and he battled injuries, leading the team to release him.

Flash forward to this year, and he is a starting cornerback for the Los Angeles Rams who have been a solid team sitting at 3-3 through 6 weeks. Witherspoon has been a welcome addition to the Rams, who traded away Jalen Ramsey in the offseason. Cornerback has been the biggest weakness for the Steelers on defense, as opposing wide receivers have torched the Steelers secondary.

So, seeing Witherspoon thrive in his new situation after the Steelers let him go for nothing definitely stings. While nobody could fault the Steelers for moving on from him, the fact that he has returned to a high level of play definitely hurts, especially when they have to play against him this year.