Steelers emerge as favorite to sign veteran CB Joe Haden

The Cleveland Browns released veteran cornerback Joe Haden, the team announced Wednesday.

The Kansas City Chiefs and New Orleans Saints were reportedly expected to have strong interest in Haden once he hit the market.

The Steelers traveled to Charlotte, N.C., on Wednesday in advance of their preseason finale Thursday against the Carolina Panthers. Over the past few days alone, the Browns were actively shopping him, but apparently no teams were biting.

A desperate team, perhaps a championship contender, will give Haden a shot. If all goes well, Haden could face his former team when the division rivals collide in the season opener September 10 in Cleveland. The 7-year veteran has 81 career starts with 299 tackles, 19 interceptions (1 touchdown return), 2.0 sacks, and 100 passes defensed.

Two prominent Dolphins players have made it known that they would like to see recently released Pro Bowl cornerback Joe Haden in a Dolphins uniform.

Ward, 30, due to make $4.5 million in the final year of a four-year contract, was one of the heroes in the Broncos’ 24-10 win over the Panthers in Super Bowl 50. During the last two seasons, Haden has suffered a number of injuries, including a groin injury that required offseason surgery. In total, he played 18 games from 2015-16.

Haden brings with him the spirit of giving back that is prevalent in the Steelers locker room and organization. Sean Payton told reporters at the time in regards to a possible trade of Brandin Cooks to New England for Butler.

Tampa Bay Buccaneers – The Bucs already have very solid starting corners in Vernon Hargreaves and Brent Grimes, but have no depth behind them. It is a clear sign they want Haden on the Dolphins.

“I think he’s had a great training camp”, Jackson said. But injuries have hampered his play the past couple of seasons.

Right now, Artie Burns, Ross Cockrell, Coty Sensabaugh, Cam Sutton and William Gay are pretty much locks to make the team.

Haden is the highest-profile corner the Steelers have added in recent seasons.

That is an optimistic take on the signing, but all we can do is trust that the coaching staff knows what they are doing. Philadelphia also drafted CB Sidney Jones in the second round and CB Rasul Douglas in the third round of this year’s draft. Marcus Peters, Steven Nelson, and Terrance Mitchell held up well last season.