Addition of former All-Pro DB another reason to like Steelers in 2023

The Steelers added former All-Pro defensive back Desmond King on Wednesday, another win for the organization following a promising preseason.

King was named First Team All-Pro in 2018 and gives Pittsburgh another talented member in its secondary.

"Great, just what Mike Tomlin needed," is likely what 31 other front offices are thinking. The Steelers already boast a secondary that includes former first-round picks Minkah Fitzpatrick, Keanu Neal and Patrick Peterson. 

Pittsburgh selected cornerback Joey Porter Jr. in the second round (32nd overall) of the 2023 NFL Draft while Levi Wallace, a 2018 undrafted free agent out of Alabama, signed with the Steelers last offseason after three seasons in Buffalo and is set to start opposite Peterson.

King was expendable in Houston after the team signed Shaquill Griffin this offseason. Derek Stingley Jr., the third overall pick of the 2022 NFL Draft, is healthy after missing the final eight games of the season due to a foot injury and should start on the outside along with Steven Nelson, who played for the Steelers in 2019 and 2020.

A former fifth-round draft pick, King's overperformed in relation to where he was drafted since entering the league in 2017. He had a 90-yard pick six as a rookie, then added two more touchdowns (one interception, one punt return) in 2018. Altogether, King scored five touchdowns in his first four seasons.

Over the past two years, King has five interceptions and is best served as a slot corner. From Weeks 1-9 last year, King played primarily from the slot and allowed a reception on 15-of-22 targets (68.1 percent) for 173 yards and an interception, per Pro Football Focus.

From Weeks 10-18, he moved to the outside and allowed 27 receptions on 36 targets (75 percent) for 240 yards, two touchdowns and an interception.

Former Steelers cornerback Arthur Maulet played a team-high 420 snaps from the slot last season but signed with the Ravens this offseason. The team also lost starting corner Cameron Sutton to the Lions in free agency.

All the talk surrounding Pittsburgh during the preseason has been over the offense, and for good reason. It isn't breaking news that the Steelers should have a good defense. That's usually a given. 

The offense, however, looks poised to make a giant leap after second-year quarterback Kenny Pickett and young playmakers George Pickens and Jaylen Warren were three of the standout performers of training camp and the preseason.

If so, watch out for the Steelers. In addition to the talented Pittsburgh secondary, defensive lineman Cameron Heyward and edge rusher T.J. Watt are among the best at their positions as well.

Adding King is another solid move for Pittsburgh during an offseason it's hit all the right notes.