Steelers rumors: 3 players who won’t be on the roster after NFL Draft

3 players who won’t be on the roster after NFL Draft, No. 1: Ahkello Witherspoon, CB

The Pittsburgh Steelers entered this offseason with cornerback being, perhaps, their biggest need. It certainly didn’t help their cause when seeing Cam Sutton, their best corner on the roster, sign a three-year contract with the Detroit Lions. But, the Steelers did bring in a big name to clot in at the top of the positional depth chart in Patrick Peterson, who will be a future Hall of Famer.

Even with the addition of Peterson, Pittsburgh needs to add some further depth and a potential starter for the foreseeable future in the NFL Draft. Give that they pick 17th, they could end up with one of the top cornerback prospects, depending on who’s available when they are on the clock. Names like Devon Witherspoon, Christian Gonzalez, and Joey Porter Jr. stand out. If the Steelers were to add one of them, they will be in good shape.

With that, a cornerback will undoubtedly be shown the door before the start of the regular season. Ahkello Witherspoon could very well be a cap casualty.

Witherspoon joined the Steelers in 2021 via a trade from the San Francisco 49ers. In his two years with the team, he played just 13 games, including four this past season after suffering a hamstring injury.

In terms of coverage, Witherspoon was solid in 2021, allowing just 14 receptions for 233 yards and one touchdown on 37 targets. But last season, in limited playing time, Witherspoon surrendered 22 receptions for 248 yards and four touchdowns and 29 targets. These statistics come courtesy of Pro Football Reference.

If the Steelers use a high draft pick on a cornerback, Witherspoon could be pushed further down the depth chart. Given that, and his $5.4 million cap hit for 2023, makes him a cut candidate.