Steelers reportedly sign former Bills CB Levi Wallace

Chris Adamski
Tuesday, March 15, 2022 5:57 p.m. | Tuesday, March 15, 2022 5:57 p.m.

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Chaz Palla | Tribune-Review

Pittsburgh Steelers receiver Chase Claypool pulls in a catch in front of Buffalo Bills cornerback Levi Wallace during last year’s regular-season opener at Highmark Stadium. Wallace has joined the Steelers via free agency.

The Pittsburgh Steelers began the process of what could be a re-make of their secondary, reportedly agreeing to a two-year contract with free-agent cornerback Levi Wallace on Tuesday.

Wallace has started for the Buffalo Bills the past 3 ½ seasons dating to the midway point of his rookie year when he was an undrafted free agent out of Alabama. The 6-0, 179-pound Wallace had two interceptions in each of the past three seasons, including two against the Steelers.

The signing was reported by NFL reporters Jordan Schultz and Aaron Wilson and confirmed by ESPN. It was for a reported $8 million over two years, a bargain amount for a proven starting cornerback.

Levi Wallace takes it back for the @BuffaloBills!

Second INT for the Bills defense tonight. #BillsMafia

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????: NFL app // Yahoo Sports app: https://t.co/HRuNYznHDG pic.twitter.com/kZr07pZNIP

— NFL (@NFL) December 14, 2020

Wallace’s acquisition means at least one – and, likely, both – Joe Haden and Ahkello Witherspoon will not be retained. Each is a free agent after ending last season as a starting cornerback for the Steelers.

The Steelers brought back versatile defensive back Arthur Maulet and still have starting strong safety Terrell Edmunds on the market.

Wallace has ranked among the top 10 in tackles per game among cornerbacks each of the past three seasons. Pro Football Focus in 2020 graded Wallace as the second-best tackler among outsider cornerbacks in the NFL. The Steelers have long valued run support among their cornerbacks.

Wallace tied for the Bills lead with 10 passes defended last season.

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Chris Adamski is a TribLive reporter who has covered primarily the Pittsburgh Steelers since 2014 following two seasons on the Penn State football beat. A Western Pennsylvania native, he joined the Trib in 2012 after spending a decade covering Pittsburgh sports for other outlets. He can be reached at cadamski@triblive.com.