Steelers Made A Massive Mistake Back In 2021 And It Still Needs Fixed

The Pittsburgh Steelers have seen improvement in their cornerback position, sparking optimism with the emergence of young talent like Joey Porter Jr. Alongside Porter, the Steelers made moves to enhance their secondary by trading away Diontae Johnson and acquiring Donte Jackson. With Porter and Jackson in the fold, the Steelers feel confident in their right and left cornerbacks. However, beyond these two standout players, concerns linger about the lack of depth in the position group.

While much attention has been directed towards the wide receiver position this offseason, some Steelers fans are growing increasingly anxious about the cornerback spot. ESPN's Brooke Pryor recently addressed this topic during an appearance on the Pro Football Network YouTube channel. Pryor discussed the latest developments within the AFC North and highlighted what she considers to be the Steelers' biggest mistake during the recent era under Mike Tomlin's leadership.

"Once they let Mike Hilton walk a couple years ago, they haven't been able to find a corner that has been as productive as Mike Hilton. And I think that that's been one of the biggest mistakes of this last stretch of the Mike Tomlin years…. I think that was a big mistake to let him go because they haven't been able to find someone that has been consistent."

The Steelers have grappled with filling the void left by Mike Hilton's departure. Hilton bid farewell to the Steelers after the 2020 season, opting to join their arch-rivals, the Cincinnati Bengals, in a lucrative four-year deal worth $24 million. Since then, Hilton has proven himself to be a valuable asset for the Bengals, contributing solid performances. 

The absence of Hilton has undoubtedly left a void in the Steelers' secondary, and retaining him could have significantly bolstered their defensive lineup. Pryor views the decision to let Hilton walk away as one of the organization's most significant recent mistakes.

"If I'm a GM, and I'm rewriting history and trying to undo some of the biggest mistakes, that's my number one," Pryor said. "I think I would do anything I could to re-sign him."

Tomlin and the Steelers held Hilton in high regard, but they were unwilling to meet the contract demands required to retain him. Despite this, Hilton's four-season tenure in Pittsburgh showcased his reliability and effectiveness in the team's secondary. Although he only started 20 of the 59 games he played, Hilton proved to be a dependable role player, amassing an impressive stat line of 237 tackles, 9.5 sacks, three forced fumbles, five fumble recoveries, 32 passes defensed, and seven interceptions.

Hilton's standout season with the Steelers occurred in 2020, where he recorded three interceptions and contributed to 51 tackles, 42 of which were solo stops. Since joining the Bengals, Hilton has continued to make a significant impact, tallying two interceptions, eight passes defensed, and 84 combined tackles in the 2023 season alone. His presence in the Bengals' secondary underscores his value, and his absence in Pittsburgh leaves a notable gap in their defensive lineup, suggesting that retaining him would have bolstered the Steelers' defense significantly.

Steelers Will Need Darius Rush And Cory Trice Jr. To Step Up In 2024

The Steelers held high hopes for their seventh-round pick in 2023, Cory Trice Jr. Unfortunately, an injury sidelined him for the entirety of the 2023 season, denying him the opportunity to showcase his talents on the field. However, with the current roster setup, Trice is poised to earn valuable playing time and make a significant impact in the upcoming season.

Another player expected to step into a crucial role is Darius Rush, who is slated to handle the nickelback position for the Steelers. Despite their limited experience, both Trice and Rush will be relied upon to elevate their performance in 2024 and contribute positively to the Steelers' defense. Their ability to make meaningful contributions could greatly enhance the overall outlook of the Steelers' defensive unit. Conversely, any shortcomings from these players may place added pressure on the Steelers' secondary and potentially hinder their defensive effectiveness in the upcoming season.