Steelers plan to release CB Ahkello Witherspoon
The Steelers have made a variety of interesting moves this offseason when it comes to the cornerback position. They seem to want to keep fans on their toes, as today, Ian Rapoport of NFL Media announced that the Steelers plan to release Ahkello Witherspoon. Witherspoon was selected in the third round of the 2017 NFL […]
The Steelers have made a variety of interesting moves this offseason when it comes to the cornerback position.
They seem to want to keep fans on their toes, as today, Ian Rapoport of NFL Media announced that the Steelers plan to release Ahkello Witherspoon.
Witherspoon was selected in the third round of the 2017 NFL Draft by the San Francisco 49ers, playing four seasons in the bay before joining the Seahawks and then the Steelers as a trade piece in 2021.
The 6'3 corner had the best season of his career with the Steelers in 2021, recording career highs in Interceptions (3) pass breakups (9), and tackle for losses with one. The issue was not his play on the field, but rather his ability to stay on it.
Witherspoon only played in 13 games over his two-year tenure with Pittsburgh, including a 2022 season that saw him only play in four contests despite starting in every game.
Witherspoon may have just turned 28, but when you consider the financials and the influx of younger and similarly built corners that the Steelers have drafted, you can see the writing on the wall.
The Steelers will save $4 million dollars against the cap in 2023 by releasing Witherspoon, only paying out a little under $1.5 million in dead money. Pair that with Joey Porter Jr. and Cory Trice Jr. coming in at the same height, with even higher ceilings and things start to make sense.
Such is life as an NFL player and it hurts to see a player that provided valuable contributions lose out to younger players, especially when he's still in his athletic prime.
But corners are the running backs of the defense, meaning the second their tooth starts to lengthen and the minute they show any signs of injury, teams will cut bait for younger and often cheaper talent.
This situation is a prime example of that. Hopefully, Witherspoon is fully healthy and receives calls soon, finding a new home with another franchise. Steeler fans should wish him all the best.
