Steelers acquire CB Ahkello Witherspoon from Seahawks for fifth-round pick

Witherspoon signed a one-year, $4 million deal with the Seahawks in March to compete for the starting left cornerback job. However, D.J. Reed got the position, making Witherspoon a trade candidate. 

The San Francisco 49ers selected Witherspoon in the third round of the 2017 draft. In four seasons with the franchise, he recorded four interceptions, one forced fumble, one fumble recovery, 117 tackles and two tackles for a loss. 

Before acquiring Witherspoon, the Steelers had just four cornerbacks on the 53-man roster following cuts, including Cam Sutton, James Pierre, Justin Layne and Joe Haden. They added Arthur Maulet one day later.

Witherspoon gives the Steelers some much-needed depth behind Haden and Sutton, so parting ways with a fifth-round pick was certainly worth it for the franchise. 

Pittsburgh opens the 2021 season against the Buffalo Bills on Sept. 12.