Shortly before the start of the 2023 NFL season, the Pittsburgh Steelers signed free-agent cornerback Desmond King to help improve the depth of their defensive backfield.
King has been in the league since 2017, and before signing with the Steelers, he had stints with the Los Angeles Chargers, Houston Texans, and Tennessee Titans.
Well, it sounds like the veteran corner’s time in Pittsburgh will be coming to an end in the near future, at least according to a recent report from NFL Media’s Tom Pelissero.
The #Steelers informed veteran CB Desmond King they plan to release him if they can't find a trade partner, per source.
King has played in 98 career games (53 starts). An experienced nickel available.
— Tom Pelissero (@TomPelissero) October 18, 2023
It’s possible that the Steelers will find a team that wants to trade for King, but even if they are presented with an offer, it’s hard to imagine that they’re going to get much in return for him.
The 28-year-old cornerback has only appeared in three games for Pittsburgh this season, and 15 of his 16 total snaps have come on special teams.
After being on the field for all 17 games with the Texans last year, it wouldn’t be shocking to find out that King is the one who initiated his eventual departure from the Steelers.
Sometimes, players just aren’t a good fit for the team they end up with, and this seems to be the case when it comes to Pittsburgh and King.
Considering how little King has been utilized this season, it’s highly unlikely that the Steelers’ defense is going to suffer whenever his eventual departure ends up happening.
Will Pittsburgh wind up finding a team that is willing to make a trade for the veteran corner, or will they be forced to release him for nothing in return?
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