Joe Haden trying to keep up to speed with changes in Steelers secondary

The legs usually are the first thing that goes south for a boxer in a prize fight, and Joe Haden believes that theory also holds true for an NFL cornerback as he gets to the later rounds of his career.

As he enters his 12th pro season and fifth with the Pittsburgh Steelers, Haden has put an emphasis on conditioning so he can maintain the type of productivity at age 32 that enabled him to become a three-time Pro Bowl selection.

“Getting older, I’ve got to keep my speed,” Haden said Wednesday on the second day of minicamp. “It’s less that I lift weights. It’s conditioning, training, running, keeping the cardio up, keeping the speed. That’s the first thing that goes when you start getting older as a corner – your speed. If you can’t keep up with those dudes, that’s what really starts to get your game out of there.”

Haden spent the first part of phase 3 of the NFL’s offseason conditioning program – the three weeks of organized team activities – training in California. He has been present for the first two days of mandatory minicamp at Heinz Field, giving the Steelers a chance to show he hasn’t lost a step.

“Above the neck, I know I’m so much smarter,” Haden said. “If I can keep the speed up, that’s the biggest thing. I worked on a lot of speed training in the offseason.”

Haden might not have the burst he showed as a rookie when he was a first-round pick of the Cleveland Browns, but he remains the unquestioned leader of the Steelers secondary. Consider that he has twice as much NFL experience as any cornerback on the roster.

Only two corners are entering their fifth season. Cam Sutton, however, is entering his first year as a full-time starter, and Arthur Maulet is entering his first training camp with the team after signing as a free agent.

The other returning players on the roster are second-year undrafted free agent James Pierre and former third-round pick Justin Layne, who is entering his third season. Neither has started an NFL game, which puts a premium on Haden’s experience.

“That veteran leadership is important when you have that turnover,” senior defensive assistant Teryl Austin said. “They help new guys understand the expectations of meetings, of practice, of the position they play and what it means to play defense here in Pittsburgh.”

Entering the offseason, Haden anticipated having some veteran company in the secondary. He and Steve Nelson spent the previous two seasons at starters and, until mid-March, it looked like they were in line to start a third season together.

But with the Steelers faced with a nearly $14.5 million cap hit on Nelson’s contract, they released him, the move saving them $8.25 million. Although Haden had a higher cap hit and was four years older, the Steelers viewed him as the steadier option.

“I was a little surprised, but it’s a business thing,” Haden said. “That had a lot to do with cap numbers. We are both older players, both having one year left on our deals and the salary cap being what it was. It (stinks). Steve is a baller.”

Nelson’s release came about a week after the Steelers signed Sutton, who was entering unrestricted free agency, to a two-year, $9 million deal with the intent of starting outside. The transition meant Sutton would vacate his comfort zone as a dime corner and into a starting job outside. It’s a role Sutton filled in the regular-season finale and the wild-card playoff game – both against Cleveland – while Haden was on the reserve/covid-19 list.

“Cam Sutton is going to be able to thrive at outside corner,” Haden said. “He’s a great nickel and outside. He was going to be a starter on a lot of NFL teams regardless, so I’m glad we got to keep him. He’s going to be a solid starting corner in this league.”

The Steelers still could pursue a free agent or a player released late in training camp – remember, that is how they acquired Haden. For now, the plan is to see what Layne and Pierre can show in training camp as the Steelers also try to replace nickel corner Mike Hilton.

“Those guys are really, really capable,” Haden said. “I can’t wait for them to be able to show their skills.”

Given the youthfulness of the position group, coach Mike Tomlin appreciates the value Haden brings to the locker room and the secondary as the Steelers rebuild the back end of their defense.

“Joe is just a natural leader, man,” Tomlin said. “He wears that in a very natural way, a very welcoming way. He calms the waters, if you will. He displays veteran presence and poise in almost every circumstance. His presence is always valued.”