When free agency kicks off on March 13, we sincerely hope the Pittsburgh Steelers are active buyers in free agency. This is particularly true at the cornerback position where the Steelers need all the help they can get. But if traditional free agency eludes Pittsburgh, there might be another option. Several top cornerbacks could be cap casualties and Pittsburgh should be right there to swoop one up. Here are four guys who
Janoris Jenkins | New York Giants
Much like the Steelers found Joe Haden out of work and looking for a chance to play for a better team, New York Giants’ cornerback Janoris Jenkins could be excited to start fresh with a good team. Jenkins has 18 career interceptions and seven career touchdowns in seven seasons in the NFL and is a very physical man coverage cornerback.
Marcus Peters | Los Angeles Rams
There was a time when pundits thought Marcus Peters had the potential to be among the elite in the league at cornerback. But a $9 million cap hit in 2019 could find him looking for work. The Steelers would be lucky to snatch up the 26-year old cornerback. His game fell way off with the Los Angeles Rams but there’s no doubt the talent is there.
Jimmy Smith | Baltimore Ravens
The Steelers have seen enough of Ravens’ cornerback Jimmy Smith to have a good idea of what he’s capable of. His size is elite and when he’s at his best he can lock down most wide receivers. But with a $15.8 million cap hit this season, the Ravens may not feel like he’s done enough to deserve it. Smith is a guy Pittsburgh might land on a deal similar to what Haden signed for and really solidify the cornerback position.
Josh Norman | Washington Redskins
In terms of risk/reward, no player on this list represents both like Josh Norman. When he’s good he’s a lockdown corner who is fearless no matter who he is covering. But at the same time, he might be the most volatile of the bunch and that’s saying something.
