The Pittsburgh Steelers have signed former Browns corner back Joe Haden. Haden, a two-time Pro Bowler, was released earlier today by Cleveland. Haden then jumped on a flight, where he met with the Steelers before signing a deal with the team. The deal, a three-year, $27 million contract, will award Haden with $7 million this season.
Haden was originally slated to make $11 million with the Browns this season. However, when Cleveland asked if he was willing to take $7 million, he declined. Today, Haden took that exact pay cut, but with the Steelers.
The #Steelers are signing CB Joe Haden to a 3-year, $27m contract, source said. $7m guaranteed in year 1.
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) August 30, 2017
Pittsburgh Steelers Sign Joe Haden
The Steelers are very familiar with Joe Haden. Haden has spent the first seven years of his career with Cleveland, playing Pittsburgh twice a year. As one of the only consistent upsides for Cleveland over that span, Haden has established himself as a high end corner in the NFL. In 2013, Haden was named a second team All-Pro. Haden has compiled 19 interceptions over his seven-year career. By releasing Haden, Cleveland has definitely saved money. However, they have also let go one of the only bright spots in a long and depressing stretch of losing.
Super Bowl Contenders
The move to sign Haden was an extremely wise decision by the Steelers. To begin, Haden will greatly strengthen the worst position on the Steelers at corner back. Also, Haden has the skill set to line up on a receiver in man and be effective. Pittsburgh also recently traded for tight end Vance McDonald. This improvement to the roster shows that Pittsburgh is willing to make moves to capitalize on a talented team primed for a Super Bowl run. With the smart and aggressive addition of Haden, the Pittsburgh Steelers have increased their chances of winning a Super Bowl.
Haden’s first regular season game in a Steelers’ uniform will come against his former team on September 10th.
