Three years ago this week, the Cleveland Browns officially informed their cornerback Joe Haden that his services were no longer needed.
After months of aggressive yet unsuccessful attempts to line up a trade suitor, the Browns decided to cut ties with their former first-rounder and two-time Pro Bowler.
Haden was team-less for less than a day when Cleveland released him in August 2017. The print on the NFL transaction sheet was still fresh.
We've released DB Joe Haden
Details » https://t.co/Q65FMCayD5 pic.twitter.com/m95dKbctlv
— Cleveland Browns (@Browns) August 30, 2017
Just hours after the Browns announced Haden was released, the Steelers revealed news of their own.
We have signed CB Joe Haden to a three-year contract.
MORE: https://t.co/C9csV1W6n4 pic.twitter.com/kS3rJF6AlA
— Pittsburgh Steelers (@steelers) August 31, 2017
Welcome to Pittsburgh, @joehaden23‼️#official pic.twitter.com/6n7zjzVem3
— Pittsburgh Steelers (@steelers) August 31, 2017
The Steelers were able to move quickly because Haden was not subject to waivers and, therefore, free to sign with another team the same day he was released.
Haden told ESPN’s Adam Schefter that he had offers from other teams (reportedly New Orleans Saints, Kansas City Chiefs and the Dallas Cowboys), but he wanted to be a Steeler.
Haden knew Pittsburgh and Pittsburgh knew Haden. After all, the Steelers had faced the veteran cover man 11 times since 2010.
Haden became the face of a Steelers secondary that would soon be dismantled and re-built around him. Not only was Haden there to guide a young Mike Hilton and Cam Sutton, but he was there when Steven Nelson and Minkah Fitzpatrick came on the scene. The secondary had all the pieces it needed, and it showed in 2019.
The Steelers Pro Bowler posted on Twitter this week, “I knew I had a lot of ball left in me!” And he’s right. In three seasons and 42 games with Pittsburgh, Haden has 148 tackles, five QB hits, 36 passes defended and eight interceptions. He is part of a defensive unit shot up 12 spots to fifth-ranked from 17th in 2018.
On August 30, 2017… 3 years ago today I was Cut by the Browns! I knew I had a lot of ball left in me! You gotta believe in Yourself! 🙏🏽
— Joe Haden (@joehaden23) August 30, 2020
I’m thankful for their ignorance 💯 https://t.co/E1RdeyrUF4
— Vince Williams (@VinnyVidiVici98) August 30, 2020
Now heading into his 11th season, Haden has five more years of experience than Nelson and has been in the NFL longer than Hilton, Cam Sutton, and Fitzpatrick combined.
The Pittsburgh Steelers and their fans are grateful that, as Haden said, he still has a lot of “ball” left in him.
Currently, Haden has two seasons remaining on the extension he inked in 2019.
