Get ready for a new and hopefully improved Steelers defense in 2023, one that will be without Ahkello Witherspoon after yet another roster move.
The Pittsburgh Steelers are making a statement with their defensive moves this offseason, most recently releasing cornerback Ahkello Witherspoon to create more cap space.
On Wednesday, the Steelers announced they were parting ways with the former 49ers corner, and his release will save the team $4 million against the salary cap.
Witherspoon delivered two modest seasons in Pittsburgh and never grew into a key defensive piece in part due to injuries and in part due to schematic fit. San Francisco was able to get a more efficient four years out of him, but after he joined the Steelers, he only recorded seven starts and struggled to defend against opposing teams' top wideouts.
Witherspoon's release just speaks to the Steelers' obvious desire to clear house at defense this offseason, and it also speaks to the team's current level of depth and talent in the backfield.
Steelers cut veteran Ahkello Witherspoon
It's no secret that the Steelers have been heavily investing in its defensive backfield, from signing eight-time Pro Bowler Patrick Peterson to selecting corner Joey Porter Jr. in the 2023 draft.
The team also brought on cornerback Chandon Sullivan on a cheap, prove-it deal, drafted cornerback Cory Trice in the seventh round, and have former Bills' Levi Wallace from last year.
There just was no space for an aging vet like Witherspoon — who was also coming off a down year — yet Witherspoon should pose as a cost-effective addition for a variety of teams this offseason.
Just one season removed from a three-pick, nine-passes-defended campaign, Witherspoon has the coverage skills and length to be a seasoned rotational piece for defenses less stacked than the Steelers.
There may be some concern for Witherspoon's knee and hamstring issues which have followed him throughout his career; he missed 21 out of 34 possible regular-season games since joining Pittsburgh.
In the wake of the Witherspoon release, the Steelers' busy offseason may give a ray of hope to fans who were worried the team wouldn't be able to compete in an ultra-competitive AFC North next year.
