Joe Haden Watch: Will He End Up With The Miami Dolphins?
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MIAMI (CBSMiami) - After failing to find a trading partner, the Cleveland Browns have released former two-time Pro Bowl cornerback Joe Haden.
Many of the other 31 NFL teams will pursue such a talented player. Will the Miami Dolphins be among the suitors? Let the games begin.
Two high profile Dolphins have already pledged their support to Haden on social media.
Ndamukong Suh posted a photo of Haden on his Instagram account with the caption, "Yeah... South Beach." Mike Pouncey reposted.
Consider the position the Dolphins are in at cornerback. Tony Lippett is out for the season with a torn achilles. Byron Maxwell has been inconsistent in the preseason, leading to competition with Alterraun Verner for his starting job. Adding Haden to play opposite Xavien Howard would give the Dolphins one of the most talented cornerback tandems in the league.
CBS Sports' Jason La Canfora reported that several teams have shown interest in signing Haden, including the Dolphins.
According to ESPN's Adam Schefter, the Pittsburgh Steelers have emerged as the favorite to sign Haden.
Haden last made the Pro Bowl in 2014. Haden was the 7th overall pick in the 2010 NFL Draft, out of the University of Florida. He's still in his physical prime at age 28.
UPDATE
Schefter is now reporting that Haden will sign a 3-year deal worth $27 million with the Pittsburgh Steelers.
According to Schefter, Haden turned down more lucrative offers with other teams in order to sign with Pittsburgh.
Whether or not there is some bad blood between Haden and the Browns after their breakup is yet to be seen, but it's interesting that the former Pro Bowler decided to sign with a team in the same division as Cleveland.
