Steelers free agent target admits he chose to sign with one of the NFL’s worst teams over Pittsburgh
Typically, the driving force for free agents when they hit the open market comes down to two variables: Money, or the desire to win a championship. Yet, when safety Jeremy Chinn signed with the Commanders this offseason, he admitted that he forfeited both of those desires despite a better offer from the Pittsburgh Steelers: Jeremy […]
Typically, the driving force for free agents when they hit the open market comes down to two variables:
Money, or the desire to win a championship.
Yet, when safety Jeremy Chinn signed with the Commanders this offseason, he admitted that he forfeited both of those desires despite a better offer from the Pittsburgh Steelers:
Jeremy Chinn Takes Less To Join Commanders
"I can't remember if it was a multi-year deal, but I did get another offer. I think Pittsburgh was probably a little bit more money," Chin told SiriusXM NFL Radio earlier this week. "But just the situation here [Washington] with [HC] Dan Quinn and [DC] Joe Whitt and [PGC] Jason Simmons and TD [DB coach, Thomas Donatell], this is where I'm supposed to be man. I know this is where I'm supposed to be."
Chinn turning down Pittsburgh for Washington is interesting for multiple reasons. Other than the obvious state of each franchise, Chinn was all but guaranteed a starting role in the secondary.
The Steelers started Keanu Neal for the majority of the season before a knee injury that placed him on I.R. and returning safety Damontae Kazee is currently viewed as more of a backup FS.
Pittsburgh ended up signing DeShon Eliott who has been running with the first team throughout OTAs. Chinn would have certainly been doing the same if he had chosen the higher offer from Pittsburgh.
And while scheme fit is a real thing, to think that Mike Tomlin and DC Teryl Austin couldn't have found a way to work with an explosive player like Chinn is out of touch.
Commanders HC Dan Quinn is undoubtedly one of the best defensive minds in the game, and he's obviously showing his ability to create a culture and recruit free agents with signings like Chinn.
But let's be real. The Commanders just picked second overall in the NFL Draft. They have an entirely new regime from the top down, including ownership, front office, and coaching staff.
Chinn is now on his second contract, has played four years in the league, and while he's just approaching his prime at 25, has yet to even sniff the playoffs, which is unlikely to happen in the next few years in Washington, even in a league of parody.
Chinn recorded two interceptions, 17 pass breakups, three forced fumbles, four sacks, and 324 tackles across 50 starts in Carolina.
Steelers Pro Bowler labeled as bounce-back candidate after, ‘Not looking like himself’ last season
Expect a return to form.
