Written by ESPN News Staff at ESPN.com
Veteran cornerback Joe Haden switched teams in the AFC North in a matter of hours Wednesday, officially signing with the Pittsburgh Steelers after being cut by the Cleveland Browns earlier in the day.
Haden’s three-year deal is for $27 million, including $7 million this year, sources told ESPN’s Adam Schefter.
The 28-year-old Haden was released by the Browns on Wednesday morning. He was not subject to waivers, making him free to sign with another team after 4 p.m. ET Wednesday. Pittsburgh announced the move Wednesday night.
Sources told Schefter that Haden had offers from other teams but turned them down because he wanted to play for Pittsburgh. ESPN reported earlier Wednesday that the New Orleans Saints, Kansas City Chiefs and Dallas Cowboys were among the other teams interested in him.
Haden’s father told ESPN that the cornerback flew to Charlotte on Wednesday night for his physical. The Steelers play their final preseason game at Carolinaon Thursday.
“They’ve seen Joe for the last seven years. They have an appreciation for his game. Mike Tomlin has always,” said Joe Haden Sr., who added that Steelers players Maurkice Pouncey and Marcus Gilbert were recruiting their former University of Florida teammate behind the scenes Wednesday.
Haden was due to be paid $11.1 million this season. The Browns approached Haden about taking a pay cut, but he did not agree to it, a source told ESPN. The Browns then sought a trade but ultimately released Haden when they found no partner, a source said.
The Browns open the season at home against Pittsburgh on Sept. 10.
One veteran player in the Steelers’ locker room texted that he was “hyped” about acquiring a player who can instantly help the defense. The Steelers were searching for a starting outside cornerback across from second-year corner Artie Burns. Ross Cockrell started much of last season but relinquished some first-team reps to Coty Sensabaugh in the preseason.
Injuries kept corners Senquez Golson and Cam Sutton out for most of training camp.
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