The Pittsburgh Steelers can't be ignored after the first three rounds of the 2024 NFL Draft. General Manager Omar Khan landed four prospects that all, in a perfect world, could step in right away and contribute during their rookie seasons. The final two positions that some may see as a "must-upgrade" on day three will certainly be at cornerback and the defensive line. One area that fans could have a right to be worried about after the initial two days is at cornerback specifically. Joey Porter Jr. is bound for stardom, but there aren't many answers after that for the 2024 season and beyond.
Pittsburgh dealt Diontae Johnson away to the Carolina Panthers and was able to pick up a solid defensive back in Donte Jackson, but no one truly believes the positional room will begin with Porter and Jackson, and then have Darius Rush and Cory Trice Jr. Barring a wild trade for someone like Patrick Surtain II from the Denver Broncos, the Steelers need other solutions aside from rookies. That could come in the leftover free-agent pool.
Regardless of which direction Pittsburgh goes on the third and final day of the 2024 NFL Draft, the cornerback room will be wildly inexperienced. For a team that hasn't exactly had a wave of success in that area in recent years, that could be problematic. The way the second day of the draft fell for the Steelers had to have Patrick Peterson ready to pick up his phone and head back to the Steel City.
Peterson doesn't have too much football left in him, but is a savvy veteran who one day will be a candidate for the Pro Football Hall of Fame. With a cornerback room expected to be so young, bringing back a guy who spent 2023 in Pittsburgh and showed his leadership abilities can't be overlooked. He contributed two interceptions as well, but many recognized that he lost a step in coverage.
Shortly after Peterson was released, he detailed a little bit about Head Coach Mike Tomlin calling him to inform him about the release. Neither party ruled out a reunion.
"Me and Coach Tomlin, to get on the phone and talk about some things and the door may still be open," Peterson said.
The expectation was always that if Peterson does end up back in the Steel City, it would be after the draft. The Steelers need veteran leadership in that positional room, which makes it logical to reach out to Peterson and bring him back on a team-friendly, one-year deal. He hasn't showed any intent to retire, which means he is waiting for a call from someone following the draft.
The Steelers aren't just attractive for him because of familiarity, but also because the current roster make-up. Pittsburgh isn't known for trusting rookies and throwing them into the fire. Porter and Jackson will likely be the one-two punch at this point, but there are few answers coming from anywhere else. The right move is to reunite with a guy that may have lost a step, but still has way too much football pedigree to ignore.
Steelers Need Secondary Depth To Combat Tough AFC North
There are offensive weapons throughout Pittsburgh's division. The Baltimore Ravens, Cincinnati Bengals and Cleveland Browns all boast receivers and tight ends capable of lighting you up in the receiving game. Not to mention, all three quarterbacks are recognized as formidable guys who can beat you through the air. Cornerback is extremely light for the Steelers and it should shock absolutely nobody if Peterson is back in the black and gold sooner rather than later.
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