Should the Eagles sign Steven Nelson?

Given their rumored interest in Adoree’ Jackson, the Philadelphia Eagles seem to have interest in signing a free agent cornerback. We know Jackson’s off the market after signing an unexpectedly lucrative contract with the New York Giants. So, what’s left for the Eagles?

Kevin King is off the board after re-signing with the Green Bay Packers. Gareon Conley has connections to Philly’s front office while Mackensie Alexander has ties with the Eagles’ coaching staff. Maybe the Eagles will sign one of them.

Or maybe the Eagles will look at a newly available option: Steven Nelson. The Pittsburgh Steelers officially released him on Tuesday afternoon.

Nelson’s cut wasn’t motivated by the Steelers thinking he’s a bad player. Pittsburgh had to let him go because they seemingly couldn’t agree on a contract extension that would lower his 2021 cap hit. The Steelers ultimately cleared $8.25 million by moving on from Nelson.

It is true that Nelson didn’t have his best season ever last year. According to Pro Football Reference, Nelson allowed seven touchdowns and a 97.0 passer rating in 2020. But Nelson allowed zero touchdowns and just a 65.8 passer rating in 2019. And a 72.6 passer rating in his final year with the Kansas City Chiefs in 2018.

Still, there’s reason to believe that Nelson still has good football ahead of him. He turned 28 in January and he’s been relatively durable, missing just two games over the last three seasons combined. Nelson brings plenty of experience with 68 starts in 82 games played.

There’s no guarantee that Nelson has interest in playing for the Eagles and it’s possible he’ll be priced out of the Philly’s range. He’s sure to draw some attention now that he’s on the open market. The Eagles should be among the teams gauging his cost.