Steelers Could Steal Scary Veteran Cornerback In Free Agency

The Pittsburgh Steelers only have one cornerback on their roster that they can truly count on after a questionable 2023 season. That would be first year cornerback, Joey Porter Jr. Porter Jr. started his rookie campaign as a backup, behind corners Patrick Peterson and Levi Wallace, but soon moved his way up the depth chart. With the possibility of both of those names being out of Pittsburgh by next season, the Steelers will have to be on the search for a new partner in crime for Porter Jr. either through the NFL Draft or free agency. 

An intriguing name that is on the free agency market this offseason is former Washington Commanders defensive back, Kendall Fuller. ESPN's Aaron Schatz weighs in on how he believes Fuller would be a great match for Pittsburgh's defense.

"The Steelers have some need at cornerback, especially if they decide to move Patrick Peterson to safety full-time. Fuller was the only Commanders cornerback last season with strong coverage numbers. His coverage DVOA was similar to those of L'Jarius Sneed and Marshon Lattimore, although he did allow a lot of touchdowns. In Pittsburgh, he could play opposite Joey Porter Jr. and take the easier assignment, while Porter works on the opposition's No. 1 receiver. Fuller should be good enough to allow Pittsburgh's safeties to shade toward Porter's man."

Fuller was selected by Washington in the third round of the 2016 NFL Draft out of Virginia Tech. Fuller's first two years with Washington were nothing outstanding, as he was only the fourth or fifth corner on the depth chart for most of both seasons. In those two seasons, he totaled 75 solo tackles and did not have any interceptions his rookie year. However, Fuller's sophomore year was a big leap, as he snagged four interceptions. It was not enough to keep Fuller on the roster though, as Washington traded the cornerback to the Kansas City Chiefs in a package deal to acquire quarterback Alex Smith.

In 2018, Fuller quickly became the Chiefs' number one corner on the depth chart. Fuller recorded a career high of 82 combined tackles, 12 pass deflections, and 2 picks. The following season in 2019, Fuller's numbers took a fall. Only playing 11 games, Fuller recorded zero interceptions. However, Fuller made his biggest impact that season when the Chiefs faced off in what was their first Super Bowl appearance of their current dynasty against the San Francisco 49ers. Fuller had himself a day and ultimately had the game sealing interception to lead the Chiefs to the Lombardi Trophy.

Why The Steelers Defense Is Perfect Fit For Fuller

As Schatz mentioned previously, if Pittsburgh decides to keep Peterson, he may be getting moved to safety. Peterson showed signs of not being able to keep up with receivers as he is getting older, and while he played the last few games of the season at safety, he seemed more comfortable there. 

Wallace was also a weak point in the Steelers' defense last season. He hits free agency this offseason, so the organization will have to make a decision on if he should return. He may be a solid backup, but the Steelers need to find another starter to pair up with Porter Jr. on the outside.

Porter Jr. finished his rookie season as a Defensive Rookie of the Year candidate, and looks to be the Steelers' next longtime corner. We all know what kind of weapons they have up front and inside the box, with stand out players like, TJ Watt, Cam Heyward, and Alex Highsmith. Having Peterson pair up with star safety Minkah Fitzpatrick, and Fuller pair up with Porter Jr., might give a lot of offenses in the league nightmares. In an AFC North division where defense matters most, the Steelers are going to look for all of the help they can get.