Steelers take low-risk chance on talented cornerback coming off Achilles tear

The deal will give Brown clarity on at least his short-term future. His Dallas Cowboys tenure was brought to an abrupt halt by an Achilles tear in December, which sidelined him for the rest of the 2022 campaign and led to his lengthy stay on the open market. If healthy, he will be a prime candidate to be elevated to Pittsburgh’s active roster before long.

Brown was a regular in Dallas’ secondary as early as his rookie season in 2016. He logged 69 starts amongst his 94 appearances, seeing the field for over 1,000 snaps in 2021. The former sixth-rounder set career highs in tackles (71), interceptions (three) and pass deflections (17) that year, making his three-year, $15.5M pact a worthwhile investment on the team’s part.

Seeing considerable time both in the slot and on the perimeter, Brown’s chances of remaining with the Cowboys were hurt not only by the Achilles injury but also the trade acquisition of Stephon Gilmore. The latter will be a full-time starter along with the recently-extended Trevon Diggs. Dallas made another alteration at the CB spot with the trade sending Kelvin Joseph to the Dolphins for Noah Igbinoghene.

The Steelers have made a number of moves on the backend themselves, signing Patrick Peterson and using the No. 32 selection in the draft on Joey Porter Jr. Slot man Arthur Maulet signed with the Ravens, a team which showed interest in Brown before he agreed to head to Pittsburgh. A role on the inside could be the latter’s best path to playing time on the active roster as he looks to demonstrate a return to full health and rebuild his free agent value in the process.