When taking a look at the Pittsburgh Steelers roster, there aren’t any glaring needs that stick out. The team addressed its major needs throughout the offseason, upgrading its offensive line and cornerback group in free agency and the draft.
Despite adding Patrick Peterson and Chandon Sullivan in free agency and Joey Porter Jr. in the second round of the 2023 NFL Draft, some people did believe that Pittsburgh could use some more reinforcements at cornerback. Levi Wallace was penciled in as the starter along with Peterson.
A trade was suggested, with the versatile Amik Robertson of the Las Vegas Raiders being a potential target. The Steelers did end up adding another cornerback to the roster, but it wasn’t via trade.
Instead, they jumped into the post-cut-down day free agent pool and came away with cornerback Desmond King. King was a surprising cut of the Houston Texans and is expected to sign with the Steelers according to Ian Rapoport of NFL Network.
One of the more surprising releases of cut-down day, things couldn’t have worked out much better for King. He goes from the rebuilding Texans to a potential contender in the Steelers.
Pittsburgh is an excellent landing spot for King, who provides veteran experience and depth to the secondary. Last season, depth was a concern at times for the Steelers, but that shouldn’t be the case in 2023.
King could step into the lineup and contribute on Day 1. He was productive for the Texans last season, recording 89 tackles with 10 tackles for loss, two quarterback hits, two interceptions and eight passes defended. His 73.2 grade from PFF in 2022 is quality as well.
Originally a fifth-round pick by the Los Angeles Chargers in the 2017 NFL Draft, King has carved out quite a successful career for himself. He is reliable, missing only one game in his career, in 2020, as he was traded from the Chargers to the Tennessee Titans.
A former All-Pro, King is a huge addition to the Steelers’ defense. He will help reinforce their remade secondary on what should be one of the best units in the NFL during the upcoming season.
