Pittsburgh Steelers veteran cornerback Joe Haden works towards a contract extension. The Steelers don’t normally negotiate contracts during the regular season. This can be concerning for the veteran cornerback because the season has officially begun.
Haden’s Preference
Ideally, Haden would like to secure a deal that ultimately keeps him in Pittsburgh beyond the coming season. Haden signed a two-year extension with the Steelers in 2019 and told Mark Kaboly of TheAthletic.com that he’d like to remain a Steeler through the 2022 season.
Haden understands he is not the priority for the Steelers at the moment. However, he is willing to wait his turn. He is an older cornerback but gives great production for the Steelers and has proven to be an asset in the secondary.
Haden said linebacker T.J. Watt ‘s deal is “the main priority” and also noted that safety Minkah Fitzpatrick <is in line for a new c ontract, reported Josh Alper.
“It is a real tight situation right now and we are trying to figure it out,” Haden said . “We have priority levels here so I have to see what happens with my boy T.J. first.”
Joe Haden’s Expectations
It is no secret Haden really enjoys his time in Pittsburgh. He has had high praises for Mike Tomlin, the Head Coach for the Steelers. Ideally, Haden is getting older and maybe looking towards retirement soon. It is fairly reasonable to think he would like to finish his career in Pittsburgh.
“For one thing, he’s a great coach,” Haden said during a guest appearance on “The Jim Rome Show”. “He knows ball, he knows both sides of the ball, including special teams. He knows everything that we’re doing on the defensive side of the ball. I’ve never had a coach (like him) that tells us what and why and gives us a reason for everything.”
Although, he has come to terms with the likelier scenario of Watt receiving a contract extension before him. He still expects to remain with the Steelers. He would also like to see an increase in salary in the next contract due to his production in the 2020 season.
