After years of subpar coverage defenses, the Steelers finally got it right

Steelers Wire is taking a look at the players who make the secondary so good.

(Photo by Justin Berl/Getty Images)

CB Joe Haden

Former seventh-overall draft pick Joe Haden was released by the Cleveland Browns on Aug. 30, 2017, only to be signed a few hours later by the Steelers. Normally quiet in free agency, it was one of the best moves the Steelers have made in recent history.

Haden made an immediate impact on what was a porous secondary. Unfortunately, it was plagued by injury, and he missed nearly half of the season. Even so, in 377 coverage snaps, he only allowed 27 receptions on 49 targets and brought down two interceptions.

He has only gotten better since. In 1,215 coverage snaps the last two seasons, he’s allowed 102 receptions on 187 targets. He also picked opponents off seven times for an average PFF coverage grade of 71.1.

Haden, 31, shows no signs of slowing down. His contract was restructured this offseason to free up more salary-cap space, which the Steelers desperately needed. He becomes an unrestricted free agent after the 2021 season.