The Pittsburgh Steelers made a bit of a shocking decision on Wednesday.
According to NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport, they’ve informed veteran CB Arthur Maulet that he’s going to be released.
The #Steelers have informed veteran CB Arthur Maulet, with them since 2021, that he’s being released, source said. An experienced CB available.
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) May 10, 2023
Maulet was about to enter the second year of a two-year contract he signed after the 2021 campaign.
Over the past couple of seasons, he made 33 appearances (8 starts) for the organization, including six as their slot CB.
He used to rotate with Cam Sutton as the run-down slot CB, and he’s not coming back either.
The Steelers won’t have a lot of options to fill in for Maulet.
They drafted Joey Porter Jr. and Cory Trice Jr., so they might look to move one of those to that position, or maybe even give Patrick Peterson the nod.
They also have former Minnesota Vikings slot CB Chandon Sullivan, and he was a perennial starter in the Twin Cities, so maybe he’s the best option they have right now.
This decision will save the Steelers around $1 million in cap space, and they’ll now have an extra roster spot ahead of the rookie minicamp.
Maulet is one of the most experienced players in the nickelback position in the league right now.
Through his brief tenure in Pittsburgh, the 29-year-old managed to log 106 tackles, two forced fumbles, one interception, and two sacks, adding one tackle in the postseason.
Maulet made his NFL debut in 2017 and has played for the New Orleans Saints, Indianapolis Colts, and New York Jets as well, so it’s only a matter of time before he finds a new home.
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