:format(webp)/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/56441241/usa_today_9693178.0.jpg)
It appears the sweepstakes for cornerback Joe Haden was an extremely short contest. After being released by the Cleveland Browns, Haden appears set to sign with the Pittsburgh Steelers, moving to his former team’s AFC North division rivals.
The Miami Dolphins were thought to be interested in Haden, but it appears Haden only wanted to go to the Steelers.
The #Steelers are signing CB Joe Haden to a 3-year, $27m contract, source said. $7m guaranteed in year 1.
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) August 30, 2017
Haden will sign a three-year contract worth $27 million, with $7 million guaranteed in the first season. He has struggled with injuries, including a major concussion in 2015, that has limited him to just 18 games played the last two seasons. He was selected to the Pro Bowl in 2013 and 2014.
The Dolphins would have had interest in Haden to add depth to a position where they have seen Tony Lippett lost for the season with an Achilles tear and inconsistent play from presumed starter Byron Maxwell. With the addition of Haden, Miami could have either moved Maxwell to a reserve role, or potentially released him, gaining $5.5 million in salary cap space with the move.
According to ESPN’s Adam Schefter, “other teams” had offered Haden bigger contracts, but he turned them down to sign with the Steelers.
For more on the Haden signing and all things Pittsburgh Steelers, check out Behind The Steel Curtain.