Source: Steelers extend CB Haden on 2-year deal
PITTSBURGH – The Pittsburgh Steelers take care of their top priority of the summer, signing cornerback Joe Haden to a two-year, $22-million extension with a $16.8-million signing bonus Sunday night, a source told ESPN’s Adam Schefter.
Haden had one year and $10 million left on his current deal, so this locks up Haden through the 2021 season.
ESPN reported in August that both sides were making progress on a two-year extension, but Haden said last week that the clock was ticking after negotiations had slowed. The Steelers don’t negotiate in-season, so the artificial deadline for a contract was the Sept. 8 opener against the New England Patriots.
Haden has been one of the Steelers’ steadiest defenders since joining the team before the 2017 season. Last year, he posted 63 tackles, one forced fumble and two interceptions — including a leaping grab to help seal a victory over New England — in 15 games.
Strengthening Haden’s value is his Pro Bowl pedigree on a team largely without one throughout the secondary. He’s a stabilizing option in pass coverage.
The next Steeler in line for a contract would be defensive tackle Javon Hargrave, but a deal is unlikely and he’s prepared to play out the final year of his contract and enter free agency.