Steelers rumors: 3 veterans who could be cut after 2023 NFL Draft

Steelers rumors: Arthur Maulet’s roster spot is no guarantee

Suddenly, Pittsburgh’s secondary room just got crowded.

The Steelers selected two defensive backs in the NFL Draft in Joey Porter Jr. and Corey Trice. While Porter Jr. is the bigger name, Trice had a third-to-fourth round grade, but fell to the seventh.

So, what does this mean for a core of Pittsburgh veterans that struggled against the pass at times last season? The Steelers already brought in some fresh faces in Patrick Peterson and Chandon Sullivan. Clearly, Mike Tomlin and Omar Khan were unhappy with this phase of their defense last season.

Arthur Maulet could be the odd man out. Currently listed as the backup left defensive back behind Peterson, Maulet has just one year left on his contract and would save Pittsburgh over $1 million as a post-June 1 cut, per Behind the Steel Curtain:

"“The salary cap savings from cutting Arthur Maulet is quite minimal. With a cap hit of only $2.29 million, Maulet’s savings would be only $1.79 million if released. Once factoring in displacement, it’s under $1 million in savings. So when it comes to the release of Arthur Maulet, it would be based solely on performance. If the Steelers think their secondary is covered otherwise, Maulet could be released now or simply not make the team come September.”"

It’s a moderate cap savings, but Maulet isn’t close to the best cornerback on this team right now. With the addition of Joey Porter Jr., as well, who can play both sides of the secondary if required, there’s no reason for Pittsburgh to carry this many corners. Maulet is expendable, while Levi Wallace led the team in interceptions last season. James Pierre was just re-signed a month ago, as was Sullivan.