When the Pittsburgh Steelers’ initial 53-man roster was revealed this week, there were hints it wouldn’t be the group that took the field for the regular-season opener Sept. 12. Friday became the latest proof.

The Steelers acquired veteran cornerback Ahkello Witherspoon via a trade with the Seahawks, sending a 2023 fifth-round pick to Seattle. A five-year NFL veteran, Witherspoon adds to a position room that never replaced starters Mike Hilton and Steven Nelson, who departed in the offseason.

After spending the first four years of his career with the San Francisco 49ers, the 6-foot-2, 195-pound Witherspoon signed a one-year, $4 million deal with Seattle in March. The Seahawks reportedly gave Witherspoon a $2.5 million signing bonus and guaranteed the deal. That would indicate the Steelers are on the hook for $1.5 million in cash and cap allocation.

A former third-round pick, Witherspoon has played the vast majority of his NFL snaps as an outside cornerback. That would indicate he is not a direct solution to the Steelers’ issues in finding a successor to Hilton as their slot cornerback.

Before the trade was reported, the Steelers had starters Joe Haden and Cameron Sutton followed by James Pierre and Justin Layne on their depth chart at outside cornerback, with Arthur Maulet and rookie safety Tre Norwood as options to play the slot. It’s possible — perhaps even likely — the plan is for Sutton to move inside when the Steelers call on their nickel package.

Witherspoon has started 33 of his 47 career pro games, including four of 11 last season when he had one interception, 20 tackles and four passes defended. Witherspoon also was a heavy contributor on special teams for the 49ers in 2020.

Witherspoon was graded as the NFL’s fifth-best cornerback last season by Pro Football Focus’ subjective analysis. Going back to 2018, though, PFF graded Witherspoon as the NFL’s fourth-worst cornerback.

In announcing the deal via written statement, the Steelers said the trade was pending a physical.

To make room on the active roster, the Steelers released defensive lineman Henry Mondeaux. The team had left an open spot on its practice squad, however, so it is expected Mondeaux will be added to that provided he clears waivers.

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