Does Joe Haden’s tweet hint at potential Steelers return?

Steelers cornerback Joe Haden has made it known he’d love to return to Pittsburgh, but is the veteran cornerback in their plans?

Pittsburgh has a lot to deal with this offseason, first and foremost of which is finding a replacement for now-retired quarterback Ben Roethlisberger. Sadly, future Hall of Famers do not grow on trees.

But still, that is not the Steelers only hole.

Pittsburgh has a lot to address on the offensive line, and the secondary could use a retooling thanks to the expected departure of Haden. Although, Haden doesn’t necessarily have to go anywhere if the Steelers can afford him — or if the veteran Florida product were willing to take a hometown discount.

Haden’s Monday morning tweet could be a hint of things to come.

Joe Haden contract rumors: Steelers

Haden is expected to make upwards of $5 million on a one-year deal on the open market, per Pro Football Focus. While he’s no longer the Pro Bowl cornerback he was in his youth, that’s a bargain for a Steelers team that could surely still find plenty of ways to use him in a crowded secondary.

It’s no secret that Haden did not play up to his standards last season, but that could just as easily be blamed on injuries and overall issues with the Steelers defense and now-retired defensive coordinator Keith Butler. In a similar scheme but a new face in Teryl Austin, Haden could thrive on an affordable deal.

Perhaps PFF undershot Haden’s expected contract, but even so, the Steelers are expected to have plenty of cap room. Haden isn’t the top priority, no, but the notion his days in Pittsburgh are behind him is ludicrous.

He could very well be a Steeler in 2022, and he knows it.