(Photo by Justin Berl/Getty Images)
Joe Haden has been hinting lately that his tenure with the Steelers is coming to an end. On Monday night, Haden tweeted, "7 days and counting" in reference to the start of the NFL legal tampering period. And then in the wee hours of Saturday morning, Haden tweeted, "Take YOUR HAT…. Your COAT…. AND LEAVE! I#steelernation."
Haden turns 33 years old next month, and while he's still a serviceable cornerback, the Steelers shouldn't overpay for him. Pro Football Focus projects a one-year, $5 million deal for Haden that is fully guaranteed, while Bleacher Report thinks Haden is worth a 2-year, $13 million deal, with $4 million guaranteed. I think Haden wants more than what the Steelers are willing to give. Also, remember, his agent is Drew Rosenhaus.
If the Steelers have to pick between Haden and Ahkello Witherspoon in free agency, I would rather see the Steelers go with the younger option in Witherspoon. Witherspoon is only 27 and was the Steelers' best cornerback at the end of last year. Regardless, cornerback is a big need for the Steelers in this year's draft. If Haden wants to come back on a cheap deal, the Steelers should re-sign him. However, his best days are behind him, and overpaying him wouldn't be a wise decision.
While it seems like Haden feels like he's being disrespected by the Steelers, he is still appreciative of Steelers Nation and keeping good vibes.