The Pittsburgh Steelers wasted no time in adding depth at cornerback as it is already out that the team is signing free-agent cornerback Desmond King. This is a curious addition and at the position we targeted as one of the spots where Pittsburgh would be buyers after roster cuts. Here are our takeaways from
Younger might have been better
Aside from Joey Porter Jr. the Steelers are a veteran group of cornerbacks. We were sure the Steelers would add a cornerback but we wondered if they would go with youth and upside instead of a 28-year-old veteran.
Cam Sutton 2.0
If you want a comparison to King in terms of play, I’d say look at Cam Sutton. They are very similar in terms of their versatility and physicality. Sutton left in free agency and King should give them many of the same skills.
Someone has to go
Signing King means the Steelers have seven cornerbacks on the roster. There’s no way Pittsburgh keeps them all so someone will be released. Who will it be? Our best guess is Elijah Riley or James Pierre.
How this impacts Patrick Peterson
The Steelers have moved Patrick Peterson all over the secondary including safety and slot cornerback. Adding King will give the Steelers more of an opportunity to move Peterson around knowing there is a former All-Pro who can slide into his spot.
