Cleveland Browns would be wise to kick tires on Steven Nelson

Should the Cleveland Browns add a player who was just released by their biggest rivals?

The Pittsburgh Steelers have parted ways with yet another key member of their defensive unit, releasing cornerback Steven Nelson on Tuesday. The Cleveland Browns, who still could use another cornerback to be a low-end starter or just purely as a depth piece, should be calling to see if they can get him under contract.

Nelson has been a solid cornerback in the NFL for several years now after getting his start with the Kansas City Chiefs. In four seasons with the Chiefs, Nelson recorded 158 tackles, 35 pass breakups, and four interceptions.

After his time in Kansas City, he joined the Pittsburgh Steelers. In his two seasons with the Steelers, he recorded 95 tackles, 17 pass breakups, and three interceptions.

Right before he was released, the former third-round pick has expressed his desire to be traded as of late, saying “don’t hold me hostage.”

The Steelers were trying to find suitors but there seemed to be no trade market for him. Now that he’s a free agent, he’s a very interesting player. A solid defensive back that a team who might be contending, like the Browns, could sign for relatively cheap.

With Cleveland’s secondary coming off a season where it seemed like everyone and their mothers were injured, the need for depth became very apparent, very quickly. Nelson has experience in the division and matching up against these AFC North receivers which should automatically put him on the target list for the other three teams in the division.

Cornerback, like edge rusher and wide receiver, is one of those positions where you can never have too many players. Even if Nelson isn’t a consistent starter for the Browns, which he probably will be, he’d be a very good depth piece that could mentor the younger guys like Denzel Ward and Greedy Williams.

This seems like a pretty no-brainer signing but with the Browns already coming in as big spenders in free agency, it will all depend on what he asks for.