Steelers New CB Brings Potential to Future

The Pittsburgh Steelers could make the most of their new cornerback - later.

PITTSBURGH -- The Pittsburgh Steelers will reportedly sign rookie cornerback Darius Rush off of the Kansas City Chiefs practice squad, making him a part of their active roster for at least the next four weeks. 

At the same time, they'll either trade or release Desmond King to make room for the addition. But what does a change at cornerback mean for the Steelers? 

Chances are, for now, it doesn't mean anything. King played just one defensive snap for Pittsburgh this season, and Rush might not even see that. As a rookie off the practice squad, it's hard to see him making an immediate impact. 

For the first few weeks, he'll likely learn the defense and the playbook. But much like King and Ahkello Witherspoon did before that, the Steelers won't rush him onto the field and instead focus on him being fully capable of taking on a role when he's ready to step on the field. 

Instead, the move feels much more of a bet for the future. With Joey Porter Jr. growing into a starter-capable cornerback, why not have another young option to develop with him? Levi Wallace is on the last leg of his deal, and Patrick Peterson is open to taking on any type of role. Now, the Steelers could have two second-year players to build off of come 2024. 

That's without talking about Cory Trice. While it's hard to imagine a seventh-rounder who missed his rookie season because of an ACL injury is a sure bet, it's another piece to the puzzle Pittsburgh can utilize. If they can use Peterson as their backup next season and have Trice sit behind him as a depth piece, they're now working with three young players for the future. 

And the best part about it is that this has nothing to do with the upcoming offseason. Omar Khan and Mike Tomlin could find another stud corner in the NFL Draft or sign a proven veteran in free agency. At that point, their defensive backs room looks much better than it does right now. 

The move is about patience. It might not add much to this season, but it holds potential for the future. And if everything reaches its max potential, the Steelers could have options in 2024. 

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