Thursday 31 August 2017 09:35, UK
Former Pro Bowl cornerback Joe Haden has signed a three-year contract with the Pittsburgh Steelers after his release from AFC North rivals Cleveland Browns.
Haden has been slowed by injuries in the past two seasons. The Browns felt he was no longer going to help them and terminated his contract Wednesday. The team had been trying to trade Haden, who was one of its captains last season.
The Steelers didn't waste any time in moving on Haden, signing the two-time Pro Bowl cornerback to a three-year, $27m deal, on Thursday.
The 28-year-old Haden made the Pro Bowl in 2013 and 2014 with the Browns before the team signed him to a five-year, $67.5m extension. Haden's departure leaves the Browns, who went 1-15 last season, thin on experience and depth in their secondary.
"Joe gave everything he had for the Cleveland Browns and that's all you can ask for as a coach," said Browns head coach Hue Jackson. "He was a leader on and off the field. I wish him all the best as he continues his career."
Haden played in just 18 games the past two seasons because of injuries. He played in 13 games last season despite a serious groin injury.
The former Florida standout was one of Cleveland's most popular and visible players, often attending Cleveland Cavaliers games. He played in 90 games for Cleveland.
"We want to thank Joe for all he has done for this organization both on and off the field," said Browns executive vice president of football operations Sashi Brown.
"He has been a great team-mate and a true asset to the Cleveland community. These are very difficult decisions, we have the utmost respect for Joe and in my eyes, he will always be a Cleveland Brown."
Follow the 2017-18 NFL season with us on Sky Sports and through our website skysports.com/NFL also our app for mobile devices and iPad, or follow our Twitter account @SkySportsNFL
The regular season of home and away matches run from September to December 2017, culminating in PlayOffs from January 6, 2018 and the Super Bowl on February 4, 2018 at the U.S. Bank Stadium in Minnesota to determine the world champion.
