Joe Haden reverses course, wants to test free agency in 2022 rather than get extension from Steelers

After approaching the Pittsburgh Steelers about a contract extension last month, veteran cornerback Joe Haden changed his mind and will test free agency in 2022.

Haden’s agent, Drew Rosenhaus, told ESPN on Wednesday morning that his client now wants to play out his contract and see what the market holds in March when the salary cap is expected to increase significantly. Rosenhaus confirmed the report to the Tribune-Review.

“Joe has never been a UFA before and is excited about that opportunity,” Rosenhaus said. “We expect him to have a very strong market.”

Haden also alluded to a foray into free agency next year when he posted a Last Dance hashtag on his verified Twitter account.

#LastDance

— Joe Haden (@joehaden23) September 1, 2021

Haden, 32, is entering his fifth season with the Steelers and made the Pro Bowl for the third time in his career in 2019. He joined the organization late in 2017 preseason, a day after his surprising release by the Cleveland Browns.

Haden will make $7 million this season on a contract that counts $15.575 million against the cap, the second-highest allocation on the Steelers roster. He has career earnings of $116,756,742, according to overthecap.com.

Haden signed a two-year, $22 million extension with the Steelers almost exactly two years ago — Sept. 2, 2019.

“Obviously, I want to stay here,” Haden said in August. “(It’s) the organization, the staff, coach (Mike Tomlin). I don’t have too much more to say on it, but you know where I want to be.”

Haden had two interceptions, one of which he returned for a touchdown, and 12 pass breakups in 2020. He missed the end of the season and the playoff loss to Cleveland because of a trip to the reserve/covid-19 list.