The Steelers are re-signing cornerback Ahkello Witherspoon to a two-year deal according to a report by Josina Anderson of CBS Sports.
Traded for a fifth-round pick in 2021, Witherspoon started three games for the Steelers last year and played in the final eight.
His end to the season was one that perked Pittsburgh’s ears up. He broke up nine passes, did not allow a single touchdown, allowed only a 50.2 passer rating when targeted, and picked off three passes over the final eight games of the 2021 season. Witherspoon has now parlayed that into an extension.
The Steelers officially signed former Bills cornerback Levi Wallace earlier on Thursday to a two-year, $8 million extension. Witherspoon will now join Wallace as the likely two starters at outside cornerback.
As a result of Witherspoon coming back, Joe Haden is now likely out of the picture. it appears that the veteran and locker room leader for the Steelers will not return. Signing Wallace and Witherspoon also likely kicks Cam Sutton inside to the slot when the Steelers play three cornerbacks. Sutton started on the outside last year, but was forced into the slot at times. It now appears that will be his full-time role in 2022.
The Steelers could still draft a cornerback, with veterans manning the top three spots. Veteran Arthur Maulet was also re-signed as slot depth, and James Pierre, Justin Layne and Tre Norwood are also under contract for 2022, so the Steelers appear poised to bring back their entire group from last season at the position, with Wallace replacing Haden.