Interesting Development Likely Has Steelers Intrigued After Bengals Fail To Sign Free Agent Cornerback

The Pittsburgh Steelers are in a situation that many pundits in the media did not expect them to be in through the first 10 weeks of the 2024 NFL season. A record of 7-2 and first place position in the AFC North was not on many individuals' Bingo cards, but the team will enter a massive Week 11 contest against the Baltimore Ravens with the division lead on the line. After a bye week, the organization came out relatively healthy against the Washington Commanders, but suffered a couple of bumps and bruises that were associated with play. Other than Alex Highsmith, Donte Jackson has an injury to keep an eye on.

Highsmith is expected to miss a couple of weeks with his ankle injury, but Jackson's also comes with a little bit of concern due to the Steelers' inability to effectively cover receivers in Week 10. Jayden Daniels and the Commanders may not have had the best performance, but pass-catchers were open all over the place in several situations. This could lead to General Manager Omar Khan inquiring about a veteran free agent cornerback.

Fans in the Steel City will immediately want to connect Patrick Peterson to the possibility, but another tenured defender seems to be ready to join a team any day now. The Cincinnati Bengals worked out former Miami Dolphins cornerback Xavien Howard, but he reportedly didn't end up agreeing to whatever it is that he was offered.

Contract intricacies are tough at the NFL level, but as all teams enter Week 11, it's quite shocking that a veteran such as Howard would have a solid workout, but then refuse to agree to an offer that was put on the table. He might be looking to grab every penny he can, but he also could dislike the situation as a whole in Cincinnati. This leaves speculation as to what he is potentially looking for, and it might make sense for Khan to find out.

Pittsburgh will hopefully get Cory Trice Jr. back relatively soon, but that doesn't mean that external options won't be considered, especially if Jackson's hamstring ailment is a multi-week injury. The Steelers will have to go up against some tough passing attacks down the stretch, and signing a veteran that has proven to be effective could be the last piece to the defensive puzzle.

Howard is 31 years of age and certainly has some football left in the tank. He is a four-time Pro Bowler with 29 career interceptions. Coming into a situation like the one in the Steel City might be ideal for him, rather than being thrown into the fire that is the Bengals' defense. Peterson is more up the Steelers' alley because of the familiarity that exists there, but Howard is an attractive free agent that is clearly ready to play, but looking for the right deal.

Departing Cincinnati after a legitimate workout without putting pen to paper tells Khan and general managers throughout the league that there is something to be desired in regards to Howard. It would make plenty of sense to reach out given the inconsistencies and injuries that have occurred for the Steelers in the secondary.

Steelers Defense Still Has Flaws Worth Fixing

It's hard to knock a unit that has been more often than not phenomenal in 2024. Pittsburgh's defense is one of the best in the NFL, but the secondary has still had questions throughout the year. At this point in the season, it's unlikely for a free agent to come in and dominate, but someone like Howard could be exactly what the franchise needs to officially be a favorite to hoist the Lombardi Trophy come February 2025.

Do you think Howard would be a good fit for the Steelers? Let us know in the comments below!

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