Are Steelers Done With Levi Wallace?
PITTSBURGH -- The Pittsburgh Steelers have been added to the conversation for sending a cornerback to the Detroit Lions via trade. Pro Football Network recently discussed the idea of Levi Wallace being on the move, who would join his former Pittsburgh running mate Cam Sutton in the NFC, but will it actually happen?
"Levi Wallace may no longer be in the Steelers’ plans after they signed Patrick Peterson and drafted fellow cornerback Joey Porter Jr. at the top of the second round," PFN's Dallas Robinson wrote. "Given that Wallace is scheduled to hit free agency next offseason, Pittsburgh could aim to get something in return for him now rather than lose him next year for nothing.
Is that really the Steelers' train of thought?
Right now, Pittsburgh's starting cornerback rotation is likely Wallace, Patrick Peterson and Joey Porter Jr. Peterson will start on the inside with Wallace and the rookie on the outside and bounce outside with another slot player coming on from the sideline.
While Porter Jr. has caught on quick, and there's no denying Peterson is a Hall of Fame player, it's a tough call to say get rid of your most reliable cornerback on the outside.
Peterson is 32 years old and coming from a team that plays a very zone-heavy defense in comparison to the Steelers' man-heavy scheme. He's acknowledged he wants to move around the secondary to ensure he can still be as effective and even said playing in the slot allows him to see the game slower.
Peterson will play on the outside some, but his role will be the slot in Pittsburgh.
As for Porter Jr., relying on a rookie to be your top cornerback on the outside is a dangerous game. It also limits the Steelers' options behind him. Even if fellow rookie Cory Trice is making plays from time to time, starting a seventh-round rookie in Week 1 is as dangerous as it gets in a division with Ja'Marr Chase, Tee Higgins, Odell Beckham Jr. and Amari Cooper.
Wallace's time in Pittsburgh could only be limited to this upcoming season, but it doesn't give the Steelers enough reason to take a risk with a trade. They don't have the depth to replace him without risk and with a defense they've spent so much time on this offseason, removing a key starter isn't a decision Mike Tomlin or Omar Khan is going to react positively to.
The Steelers are team that believes they have all the pieces together. Removing one without an unquestionable reason to likely isn't in their plans.
Make sure you bookmark All Steelers for the latest news, exclusive interviews, film breakdowns and so much more!
Steelers Favored for Last Place Finish
NFL Analyst Has Superstar Comparison for Steelers RB Jaylen Warren
Steelers CB Joey Porter Jr. Sends Heartfelt Goodbye to Clark Haggans
