Haden and the Steelers will come to Cleveland on September 10 for the 2017 regular season opener for both teams. But he’s also going to want lucrative, long-term deal and probably deserves it. Haden has deposited half of the five-year, $68 million extension he signed in 2014.
Advertisement
When news surfaced on that the Cleveland Browns are aggressively trying to trade cornerback Joe Haden on Tuesday, it wasn’t much of a surprise.
According to ESPN, the Browns attempted to trade the seven-year veteran before releasing him but struggled to find any other teams that were interested in making a deal.
Haden is not subject to waivers and is free to sign with another team after 4 ET today. However, he has not been the same player over the last two seasons, though he did display toughness and love of the game by playing through the pain of a groin injury on the worst team in the National Football League last season. That’s the impact of adding Joe Haden less than two weeks before the regular season opener, which by the way happens to be against the team that unceremoniously cut him – the Cleveland Browns. Though it’s highly unlikely the Patriots would make such a move, one of their conference rivals could.
Haden, the seventh overall pick in 2010, was pretty successful in the early parts of his career, especially in his rookie campaign in which he totaled six interceptions.
The larger concern is Haden’s injury history. They tried to cut his pay to $7 million a year, but he declined.
CBS reported the Browns sought a fourth-round draft pick, which could have turned into a third rounder based on playing time, as trade compensation for Haden. He’s been to multiple Pro Bowls. His play also has fallen off sharply since his Pro Bowl seasons in 2013 and 2014.
The Steelers scheme could lead to a bounce back year for Haden.
Haden met the Steelers Wednesday in Charlotte, N.C., where they play the Carolina Panthers in the final preseason game.
Advertisement
“Joe gave everything he had for the Cleveland Browns and that’s all you can ask for as a coach He was a leader on and off the field”. More importantly, the Steelers have always been known for having a great defense and the addition of Haden should instantly improve their secondary. They have just over $11 million in cap space.
