The Pittsburgh Steelers are known for rewarding their own when it comes to contract extensions. Entering the 2023 offseason, there was a specific player who fans were clear about wanting back due to the lack of depth at his position. Cornerback, Cameron Sutton will hopefully be back in the black and gold, but that doesn't mean the team will be done in that area or even go in a different direction.
Many mock drafts have the franchise selecting a cornerback in the first round. But, instead of doing that because of needs elsewhere or trading a valuable pick for Jalen Ramsey, Pittsburgh could make the cap space to sign a guy who is young with a bright future.
Steelers cornerback, Cameron Sutton (#20) lines up during warmups prior to a 2022 regular season game against the New Orleans Saints at Acrisure Stadium in Pittsburgh, PA. | Photo Credit: Jordan Schofield/SteelerNation (@JSKO_PHOTO Twitter)
What happens if Sutton isn't interested in staying and thinks he will be valued higher elsewhere? It's going to be more than just the draft that Pittsburgh needs to bolster the group. One of the top free agents in this year's class is a promising 26-year old who could become the top cornerback on the team upon arrival.
Pro Football Focus has Tampa Bay Buccaneers' cornerback, Jamel Dean ranked as the fifth best free agent option in the 2023 class. It's very unlike the Steelers to go after someone who will probably demand north of $15 million a season. However, the team has options to open up millions in cap space and could be in play to make a splash.
Dean had seven interceptions in his first four seasons in the NFL. He had a great fourth season which is why he may now be at the top of teams' wish lists when free agency ramps up in mid-March.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers cornerback and upcoming free agent, Jamel Dean. | Photo Credit: Mike Ehrmann / Getty Images
The Buccaneers have not yet used the franchise tag on Dean and due to their cap situation, it's extremely likely that he ends up on the open market. It will be more clear when the franchise tag window ends on March, 7. If Sutton isn't sold on coming back, why trade draft capital for a guy like Ramsey?
Dean proved in 2022 that he can be a star cornerback in this league and it might benefit the Steelers to jump out of their comfort zone when it comes to free agency. Is he going to be cheap? Absolutely not. Why can't the new era in Pittsburgh with Omar Khan as the general manager see a big splash in 2023?
Dean is a great cover corner who had a 77.9 overall PFF grade in 2022. The Steelers have swung and missed so many times at his position over the years. There are very few bright spots to highlight, Sutton being one of them. It might make sense to change that narrative and bring someone in who can get the job done consistency, week in and week out.
Steelers cornerback, Cameron Sutton (#20) participates in practice during training camp in 2022. | Photo Credit: Jordan Schofield/SteelerNation (Twitter: @JSKO_PHOTO)
Steelers Offseason Cornerback Moves Will Depend On Sutton's Status
This all comes back to Sutton. If he ends up re-signing, it is unlikely that the franchise would go after a big name free agent at the position. However, after letting Sutton's contract void and taking a dead cap hit, maybe the front office isn't as sold as everyone originally thought on bringing him back.
Khan said recently that Sutton is a top priority, but time will tell if he thinks the contract offered is fair based on his value and play in recent years. Dean coming to the Steel City isn't likely, but don't rule him out. It's hard to predict what is going to happen this time of year in the NFL.
Do you think the Steelers have any chance of going after and signing Dean? Let us know in the comments below!
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