PITTSBURGH -- Steelers cornerback Joe Haden will be guaranteed to play in the 2021 season. Drew Rosenhaus, Drew Rosenhaus' agent, said Wednesday that the Pro Bowl cornerback will be available for sale on the open market.
Haden approached the team last month about a contract extension. Rosenhaus informed Schefter that Haden has decided to continue his contract and test out the free-agent market for 2022, when the salary cap will likely increase substantially.
Rosenhaus stated that Joe has never had a UFA and is very excited about the opportunity. We expect him to be in a strong market.
Haden, 32 years old, signed a $37 million, three-year deal with the Steelers in 2017 as a free agent. This was just one day after he had been unexpectedly released by the Browns.
Haden signed a $22 million, two-year extension in 2019 that will take him through the 2021 season. In conversations with media and Rosenhaus, he previously stated that he wanted to end his career in Pittsburgh.
Haden stated briefly that he wanted to remain here on Aug. 23. "Just the organization, staff, coaches, Coach T [Mike Tomlin]. I don't have much else. But I want to be there."
Haden, who has been with the Steelers for four seasons, has been a reliable force in the secondary, with 10 interceptions and 48 passes defended. He also had 2 forced fumbles. After racking up five interceptions, Haden was nominated for a Pro Bowl nomination in 2019.
Haden's contribution at corner has been immense, but the Steelers have other major-ticket contracts that could make it difficult to pay Haden. T.J. Watt, the Pro Bowl edge rusher, is due to receive a large payday today. The Steelers are also expected to sign All-Pro safety Minkah fitzpatrick to a new contract in the near future. Fitzpatrick exercised his fifth-year option earlier in the year.
