The Pittsburgh Steelers continue to make some big moves ahead of the upcoming season, and this time, they might have added by subtraction.
According to Ian Rapoport of NFL Network, the black-and-yellow have reportedly informed veteran CB Ahkello Witherspoon that he’s going to be released.
The #Steelers have informed veteran CB Ahkello Witherspoon that he’ll be released, source says. He started 7 games over the last two seasons.
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) May 17, 2023
Witherspoon first joined the team back in 2021 and managed to haul in four interceptions across 13 appearances, including seven starts over the past couple of years.
Injuries have held him back for the most part of his tenure with the Steelers, managing just 11 passes defended and 35 tackles in this two-year stint under Mike Tomlin.
He was originally the starter last season but spent most of the campaign on injured reserve due to a nagging hamstring issue.
It’s hard to say that this decision comes as a surprise at this point.
Also, the team will save $4 million in cap space upon his release.
If anything, fans and analysts expected this to happen way earlier in the offseason, especially considering how deep the team has become in that position.
The Steelers signed Patrick Peterson, Luq Barcoo, Chandon Sullivan, and Madre Harper in the offseason and then drafted two potential stars in Joey Porter Jr. and Cory Trice Jr., so there wasn’t much room or use for his services anymore.
Of course, Peterson, Porter, and Levi Wallace are expected to be the starters next season, so it’ll be up to Harper, Trice, and James Pierre to earn their snaps going forward, and that’s a great problem to have if you’re the Steelers.
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The Steelers Have Signed A Former XFL WR
