What to Know About the Steelers' New Cornerback - Ahkello WItherspoon

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Earlier today, the Steelers added to their secondary depth by trading for cornerback Ahkello Witherspoon from the Seattle Seahawks.  The acquisition cost the Steelers their 5th round draft pick in the 2023 draft. Witherspoon was selected out of the University of Colorado in the third round of the 2017 draft by the San Francisco 49ers.  The four-year corner signed with Seattle this past offseason after being let go by the Niners.  

In Witherspoon's four years with San Francisco, he started 33 games, amassing four interceptions.  Seattle signed him to a $4 million contract with the hopes that he would compete for a starting position.  However, after a lackluster preseason, it became clear that would not be the case, which led to the trade.

On the surface, this looks like a low risk deal by the Steelers.  At the cost of a fifth round draft pick and only $1.5 million of his $4 million contract, the Steelers are hoping to add some depth to their secondary for little cost.  If he turns out to be a valuable role player, then great!  But if not, the Steelers will have no issue moving on from him.  

This trade seems to be another indication that the Steelers aren't all that happy with their defensive play this preseason.  This is the second trade they've made on the defensive side as we've already seen them acquire All-Pro linebacker Joe Schobert from Jacksonville to sure up the middle of the field.  

Not to mention, earlier this week Joe Haden said he was going to test free agency following the season after he and the Steelers could not come to terms on a contract extension.  As a result, it looks like Witherspoon will be given every opportunity to prove the Seahawks wrong and make an impact on this defense.  Hopefully it works out for both sides and leads to him having a future with the team beyond just this season.



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