The Giants have acquired cornerback Ross Cockrell from the Steelers in exchange for a conditional 2018 draft pick, Pittsburgh announced.
Cockrell, 26, was a 16-game starter for the first time in his career in 2016, and he played rather well, grading the NFL’s No. 27 cornerback, per Pro Football Focus. However, the Steelers signed free agent cornerback Joe Haden earlier this week, a move that would have pushed Cockrell into a reserve role.
Of course, Cockrell will be a backup with the Giants, as well, as Big Blue boasts one of the more impressive secondaries in the league. New York will start Eli Apple, Janoris Jenkins, and Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie in its nickel package, making Cockrell one of the NFL’s best fourth cornerbacks.
A restricted free agent, Cockrell will earn $1.797MM in 2017 before hitting the open market next spring.
He had fallen to 3rd on the depth chart. Good salary cap move by the Steelers.
At just under $2m it really isn’t unless the Steelers were that tight up against the cap. Considering Haden’s injury history, it wouldn’t have hurt to have a capable backup corner like Cockrell on the roster.
Good move by Reese, this will make Blue strong
Cockrell island
Always a pleasure to help our family (Rooneys & Maras). Keep kicking Patriot and Cowboy butts.
Great move…… now we need to move Jerry…??? Improve the line