The Pittsburgh Steelers aren't a mystery when it comes to the positional needs the organization has as the 2024 NFL Draft quickly approaches. Both the offensive and defensive lines are important, but cornerback is equally a must-improve area after the release of Patrick Peterson. Although he may return after the draft, depending on how things fall for Pittsburgh, it appears as if another former corner for the team will not be returning.
%202023%20Camp%20Final%20with%20Logos/2L9A8407-544x306.jpg "Steelers Patrick Peterson")
Jordan Schofield / SteelerNation (X: @JSKO_PHOTO)
Steelers former cornerback Patrick Peterson (#20) stands on the field during the annual Friday Night Lights practice in Latrobe, PA.
According to Ian Rapoport of NFL Network, Levi Wallace will officially be moving on from the Steelers and plans to sign a contract with the Denver Broncos, pending a successful visit on Monday.
The #Broncos are hosting FA CB Levi Wallace on a visit today, and sources say he’s expected to sign a 1-year deal with Denver if all goes well. The former #Bills and #Steelers starter had plenty of options, but wanted to play for DC Vance Joseph. A key add before the draft. pic.twitter.com/yHQuYqS8oR
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) April 22, 2024
While there was never any true expectation that Pittsburgh would be interested in bringing Wallace back in 2024, the Steelers love familiarity. If both Peterson and Wallace were available, and Peterson elected to go elsewhere, Wallace could have been a viable option. As long as he impresses in Denver on Monday, however, that will no longer be a possibility.
Wallace signed a two-year deal with the Steelers in the 2022 offseason after previously playing for the Buffalo Bills. He seems to have been fed up with the East Coast, and is ready to take on a new journey in Denver.
Jordan Schofield / SteelerNation (Twitter / X: @JSKO_PHOTO)
Steelers cornerback Levi Wallace (#29) stands on the field at Acrisure Stadium during a 2022 matchup against the New York Jets in Pittsburgh, PA.
Wallace had a respectable career in the Steel City, but wasn't anywhere near the dominant corner the team was looking for when he signed back in 2022. He had six interceptions in two seasons, but wasn't the lockdown type that the franchise needed. He will be a quality veteran addition for the Broncos, and would have been welcomed back in Pittsburgh if he was listed as the third or fourth cornerback.
The move by Denver so close to the draft could begin a domino effect throughout the league. A lot of free agents will wait until after rookies hear their names called, but some may be looking for a home sooner rather than later. The Steelers aren't going to sign Peterson prior to the draft, but moves from any and all teams are possible in the coming days. One has to think that Pittsburgh's activity would be relevant to the wide receiver position, and not at corner.
%202023%20Camp%20Final%20with%20Logos/2L9A7679-544x306.jpg "Steelers Omar Khan")
Jordan Schofield / SteelerNation (twitter / X: @JSKO_PHOTO)
Steelers General Manager Omar Khan poses for a photo as he interacts with fans while the team practices during training camp at St. Vincent College in Latrobe, PA.
Steelers Will Address Cornerback Position In 2024 NFL Draft
Despite a reunion with Peterson still being on the table, General Manager Omar Khan will more than likely add to the positional room during the draft. It's anyone's guess as to when the selection(s) may be, but the current situation is basically just Joey Porter Jr. and Donte Jackson. Wallace will stay in the AFC, but head out West to play for the Broncos, so his return is now off the table.
Did you want to see the Steelers bring Wallace back? Let us know in the comments below!
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