The Pittsburgh Steelers knew they needed to upgrade the cornerback position when they approached the 2023 offseason. 

They did so throughout free agency and the draft, building the roster and room as they see fit. 

But now, the Steelers are starting to trim the room, releasing veterans and even starters. So today we're going to recap their most recent transactions and summarize what it means for the future. 

Steelers Draft Joey Porter Jr. & Cory Trice Jr., Sign Chandon Sullivan

The Steelers left draft weekend with two long, rangy corners in Joey Porter Jr. and Cory Trice Jr. then signed Chandon Sullivan not even a day later. This kicked off the start of the remodeling, adding youth and length to the position as Sullivan is only 26 years old himself. 

Steelers Release Arthur Maulet

The first post-draft domino to fall was Arthur Maulet, as the Steelers decided to part ways with the nickel defender. Maulet played the last two seasons in Pittsburgh, coming off a career year in 2022 where he saw highs in interceptions (1), sacks (2), and tackles (59). Releasing the 29-year-old corner only saved $1 million dollars against the cap, signaling the first change of direction at the position.

Steelers Sign Luq Barcoo

Barcoo went undrafted out of San Diego State in 2020, signing with the Jacksonville Jaguars and playing for a variety of teams as recently as training camp last year before joining the San Antonio Brahmas of the XFL.

Barcoo once led the nation in interceptions at San Diego State, recording a jaw-dropping nine interceptions in 2019. The 24 year old corner fits the profile that the Steelers are transitioning to, with length at 6'1" and obvious ball production. 

Steelers Release Ahkello Witherspoon 

Finally, the Steelers' most recent move comes by way of the impending release of Ahkello Witherspoon. He 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, and with the aforementioned moves, you can see how the writing was on the wall, especially when you consider he saves $4 million against the cap. 

When sorting through these moves, it's easy to see the change that is underway in Pittsburgh. The Steelers didn't make these moves to just get younger and save money, they did so to get longer and more ball centric at the position. 

And it's not just recent moves that prove this, as despite his age, the 6'1" Patrick Peterson is coming off of one his better seasons in terms of ball production. Perhaps Peterson becomes a mentor to all of these prototypes, helping craft the future of the cornerback position in Pittsburgh.