Steelers Told Defensive Back Chandon Sullivan They Want Him Back After Successful First Season In Pittsburgh

Pittsburgh Steelers defensive back, Chandon Sullivan didn't play as much as he was used in previous NFL stops with the Green Bay Packers and Minnesota Vikings, but he felt that he was able to make an impact in the opportunities he received. With all the injuries in Pittsburgh's secondary, Sullivan was a constant presence, even if he wasn't a consistent starter. The six-year veteran is entering free agency and said the team expressed an interest in bringing him back. 

Sullivan recently did an exclusive interview with Steelers Takeaways about his experience in Pittsburgh. He told them he was excited about a new challenge coming to Pittsburgh and that the team appreciated his versatility. He hinted at a potential return to Pittsburgh for the 2024 season. 

"The team told me before I left that they would like to do more business with me, but who knows," he said. "We know how the business of the NFL can be. But no stress – I know I’ll end up playing somewhere." 

He said that the team told him before he signed that they were looking for help in the slot, and his ability to do that meshed well with what they were looking for. He battled in training camp with Duke Dawson and Elijah Riley for the slot corner role and ultimately won the competition. Dawson suffered an injury and was released, while Riley remained on the roster. 

Per Pro Football Focus, Sullivan lined up as the slot corner for 366 snaps, with his next highest lineup spot on defense being in the box, where he played 46 snaps. Sullivan played the most special teams snaps of his career, per Pro Football Reference, with 222. His previous career high was 198 during the 2019 season for the Packers. 

"I felt like I did the most with the opportunities I had," Sullivan told Steelers Takeaways. "I didn’t play as many snaps as I’m used to – that’s just how it ended up schematically. But I took advantage of the opportunities I had on defense and on special teams. I hadn’t played a lot on special teams before, but I think I played well there."   

Sullivan had an interception during the preseason against the Buffalo Bills and managed to snag one in the regular season on Cleveland Browns backup quarterback, Dorian Thompson-Robinson. He finished the season with 22 total tackles, six passes defended, and a forced fumble against the Baltimore Ravens that was unfortunately overturned by a review.  

Steelers' Sullivan Shares Favorite Memories From Season 

Sullivan told Steelers Takeaways that getting his first interception as a Steeler was a moment that special for him. He expanded on a few other moments where he felt pride for some of his teammates. 

Sullivan is close with Patrick Peterson, having played together in Minnesota in 2022. He said that part of the reason he came to Pittsburgh was to continue to play with the well-respected veteran. In the list of favorite moments of the season he gave to Steelers Takeaways, a very special interception for Peterson was the first thing he named after his pick. 

"I remember when Patrick P. [Peterson] moved to safety for the first time," he said. "He told me he was going to get his first interception as a safety that week – and he did! He was like a fortune-teller! I was the first guy to run to him and congratulate him!"  

Another one of his favorite moments from the season was when Joey Porter Jr. made his first interception in the pros while guarding Odell Beckham Jr. from the Ravens. Also, when Trenton Thompson was elevated from the practice squad and had a significant impact. He had been observing Thompson studying and taking notes, so he was proud when all the hard work paid off.

Would you want Sullivan back for the 2024 season? What did you think of his favorite moments of the year?