The Pittsburgh Steelers opted to move on from veteran cornerback Joe Haden this past off-season. After beginning his career with the Cleveland Browns, Haden joined the black and gold just before the start of the regular season back in 2017. He ended up spending five seasons in Pittsburgh, producing some stellar play on the outside which included 10 interceptions and a Pro Bowl appearance.
After his play took a bit of a dip in 2021, the front office opted to replace him with some younger guys. Ahkello Witherspoon and Cam Sutton, already on the team, would be taking on bigger roles in 2022. Additionally, the team signed Levi Wallace from the Buffalo Bills. Those are the three starting corners for the Steelers, and one has to wonder if the team regrets that decision at all. The corner announced his retirement last week after a 12-year career with the Steelers and Browns.
On Monday, he appeared on The Pat McAfee Show and spoke a little bit about his retirement. When co-host and former NFL linebacker AJ Hawk asked if he’d consider a return to a contender in the NFL in a few months, Haden said this:
“I’m staying in shape, but I honestly feel like I’m cool,” Haden said via The Pat McAfee Show on Monday. “I wouldn’t wanna cheat the game. I wouldn’t wanna go out there and not look like myself, not look like Joe Haden. I’m chillin’ a little bit. I don’t feel like I’m in the mindset, in that grind to want to come back.”
Haden does seem to truly be at peace with his decision, as he can now focus his time on his wife and kids in California. He was offered around $2 million to play in 2022, to which he didn’t feel it was worth it at that point to move across the country. It seems as if Haden was trying to play close to home and play on a Super Bowl contender, a criteria both the Los Angeles Rams and Los Angeles Chargers happen to meet.
The Chargers have already suffered several injuries throughout their roster, including star corner JC Jackson whom they signed to a big deal in the off-season. While Haden did seem content with his decision to retire and retire as a member of the Cleveland Browns, the door may be slightly open for a return to the NFL. Haden did leave a joke for the end:
“I don’t wanna guard Ja’Marr Chase by myself right now.”
Unfortunately, the Steelers don’t seem to be a realistic option in that aspect. That’s despite a disappointing few weeks from the cornerbacks, including Witherspoon and Wallace most specifically. Witherspoon had issues with Browns WR Amari Cooper all game on Thursday Night Football. Additionally, he suffered a hamstring injury late in the game, to which he did not return. At the moment, it doesn’t seem to be severe, but perhaps the Steelers front office does make a call if another injury occurs and/or the struggles continue. It’s unlikely, but it wouldn’t hurt.
Credit to my dad, I have been a lifelong Steelers fan. I have fond memories of watching the Steelers win two Super Bowls when I was a little kid. I have only been to 1 Steelers game in my life, which was in Kansas City. That was the notorious game where Antonio Brown pinned it against his chest down the sidelines for a touchdown. I hope to get to Heinz Field some day! I graduated from Iowa State University and look forward to growing as a writer with #SteelerNation!
More must-reads: