Pittsburgh Steelers sign Steven Nelson: Grade, reaction and more
By Chris Wurtz
After playing out his rookie deal in Kansas City, cornerback Steven Nelson is headed to Pittsburgh.
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Niner Noise
The Pittsburgh Steelers defense was a confusing unit in 2018, one that excelled in certain areas but struggled massively in others. T.J. Watt and Cameron Heyward terrorized opposing quarterbacks, racking up 13 and eight sacks, respectively. As a team, Pittsburgh was tied for the lead league in sacks with 52. Watt and Heyward led a front seven that allowed the sixth-fewest rushing yards per game in the league, as well.
But, on the back end, things didn’t operate as smoothly. Pittsburgh struggled immensely to create turnovers, finishing tied for 29th with just 15 turnovers forced. They intercepted just 8 passes, good for 28th in the NFL.
Pittsburgh entered the 2019 offseason looking to improve at cornerback and at inside linebacker. They addressed one need Tuesday when they signed former Kansas City Chiefs cornerback Steven Nelson to a three-year deal.
Contract Details
According to NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport, Nelson and the Steelers agreed to terms on a three-year, $25.5 million contract.
National Reaction
He's better on the outside than the nickel, in my opinion. Too stiff overall. But he gives up big play opportunities over the top still even though his passer rating allowed was good last year. I'm not a fan. https://t.co/h9MHqD3j9h
— Ian Valentino (@NFLDraftStudy) March 12, 2019
Steven Nelson will start opposite Joe Haden as the Steelers' outside corner. Steelers got an up-close look at Nelson after playing the Chiefs four times in the last three years. Big signing for Pittsburgh at $8.5 M per year.
— Jeremy Fowler (@JFowlerESPN) March 12, 2019
Browns get Odell Beckham, Steelers get Steven Nelson. This is a nightmare.
— Andrew Fillipponi (@ThePoniExpress) March 13, 2019
Quick story. In October, I went to Steven Nelson's locker to request a quick interview. Nelson declined me in way no athlete ever has before.
— Nate Taylor (@ByNateTaylor) March 13, 2019
"I'm not talking until I get my 💰," Nelson told me.
Happy to see that Steven got his 💰.
Here was the story. https://t.co/dO0szOcw7C https://t.co/9CaBSFM8Hl
Former #Chiefs CB Steven Nelson to #Steelers
— Dov Kleiman (@NFL_DovKleiman) March 12, 2019
Probably not the most exciting signing Steelers fans were hoping for https://t.co/OwynInwWHG
C. . CB. Pittsburgh Steelers. STEVEN NELSON
Unfortunately for Pittsburgh, this feels like one of those deals where the signing team reacts impulsively to one breakout season in a desperate effort to fill a hole.
Nelson isn’t a bad corner, but he is an inconsistent one. He struggled mightily in his first three years in Kansas City, not becoming a full-time starter until year two. He missed half of 2017 before breaking out in 2018 with a four-interception season. The entire Steelers cornerback group tallied just four interceptions last year.
The problem is, those four interceptions of Nelson’s were the first four of his career. He hasn’t put up the type of consistent production that warrants top-25 cornerback money, which is what he’ll be making with his new deal. According to Pro Football Focus, Nelson was just the 33rd best cornerback in football during his breakout 2018 season.
Nelson moved to outside corner last season after playing in the slot his first three years. He’s expected to remain outside, where he’ll start opposite Joe Haden. Pittsburgh will certainly hope that Nelson can serve as a ball hawk on the back end of the defense. He’ll have to in order to live up to this contract.