Steelers Reportedly Working on New Contract With Joe Haden to Reduce His Cap Hit for 2019

Joe Haden has been the Pittsburgh Steelers most reliable secondary piece since signing with the team in 2017. Though he's no longer the Pro-Bowl caliber cornerback he once was for the Cleveland Browns, the 30-year-old defensive back is still a quality cover man who the Steelers can count on for a solid season.

His cap hit is far too high this campaign, though, and for that reason the Steelers are working toward a contract extension with Haden to restructure his cap damage.

Haden is far from being the elite player he once was. The undersized cornerback received a 70.9 grade last season, his best since 2013, but good for only 37th among all qualifying corners. He produced 2 interceptions and forced 1 fumble.

Still, though, Haden is a quality player at a time when many teams are struggling to find quality guys in the secondary. He had a good enough year to inspire confidence for the upcoming season, especially if he's going to keep making plays like this:

Giving a 30-year-old cornerback a three-year contract will never be a safe move for a franchise to make, but it is reasonable for the Steelers to want to lessen Haden's cap hit and simultaneously lock him for the foreseeable future.

Fortunately, Haden has never been one to rely heavily on his athletic gifts, so his technique may allow him to continue playing good football even while his athleticism declines.