William Gay

The Pittsburgh Steelers continued their trend of resigning their own before free agency begins Wednesday and today’s resigning of William Gay to a three year deal is the most significant to this point.

The 31 year old Gay has improved with age emerging as the Steelers best cornerback the last two seasons. Making 16 starts in 2015, Gay is the only cornerback who didn’t allow a touchdown pass, according to Pro Football Focus. An impressive mark for Gay who is really a slot corner in disguise that has been forced to play on the outside due to the Steelers lack of personnel and has excelled in that role.

With 2015 second-round pick Senquez Golson projecting as a slot-corner, Gay figures to start again on the outside.

Pittsburgh resigned Ross Cockrell in January to a one year deal and are expected to let Brandon Boykin sign elsewhere. The team has interest in resigning Antwon Blake.

Pittsburgh going out and getting a legitimate starting corner in free agency isn’t going to happen. Resigning Gay will be their primary move in that area. An impact add will have to come from a deep cornerback group in the draft.

Banking on Cortez Allen to get one more shot to prove himself, don’t count on it.

The coaching staff is said to be done with Allen who is expected to be released at somepoint this summer.