Joe Haden Signs Three-Year Contract With Steelers Hours After Being Cut By Browns

NFL cornerback Joe Haden was a free agent for only a few hours on Wednesday before the Pittsburgh Steelers signed the six-year veteran to a three-year, $27 million contract.

Haden, who was cut by the Cleveland Browns early on Wednesday morning, has been guaranteed $7 million in the first year of his contract with Pittsburgh, which is exactly the same amount Cleveland had poised to pay him before cutting him, according to the NFL Network.

The two-time Pro-Bowler was the Brown’s first round draft pick in 2010. He signed a $74.678 million deal with Cleveland in 2014 but was hampered by injury through out most of the contract, playing only 18 games since the year he signed. In those 18 games, Haden racked up three interceptions and broke up 13 passes.

Several teams including the Dallas Cowboys, New Orleans Saints and the Indianapolis Colts were interested in signing Haden before he landed the deal with Pittsburgh, according to the NFL Network.

Haden’s future teammate, Steelers running back Le’Veon Bell, reached out to the cornerback via Twitter, writing, “what’s good Joe?!!!!!!!!!”

The 28-year-old’s departure was still met with love and appreciation by Cleveland’s biggest sports star, LeBron James, who also reached out to Haden on Twitter.

“S/O the homie @joehaden23!! Best of luck bro with your new squad and appreciate the loyalty you showed #TheLand 23to23. See you soon,” wrote the four-time NBA MVP.

Haden responded by tweeting, “Appreciate it family! We will link soon! 23 to 23!”

James and Haden won’t have to wait long until the two are back in the same state. Haden’s first game as a Steeler will be against the Browns on September 10.