Ross Cockrell has officially signed his restricted free agent tender, according to his agency, who tweeted out the news a short time ago.
The Steelers tendered him in early March, giving him an original round tender. He’ll be owed $1.79 million this season. Some were surprised to see the Pittsburgh Steelers tag him so low but it appeared to be a calculated move by the team, knowing how deep the free agency and draft pool was.
The deadline for an RFA to sign elsewhere was April 21st and Cockrell never drew much, if any, interest, meaning the shrew move paid off for the team. He is expected to start at LCB this year opposite Artie Burns though if the team drafts a cornerback high, there could be a competition at that spot.
Last year, Cockrell racked up 62 tackles in 16 starts for the Steelers. He was the team’s best man cover corner and clear-cut #1 corner.
