Nelson has previously expressed great dissatisfaction with how his time in Pittsburgh ended, citing a severe lack of communication ahead of the Steelers releasing him in 2021. It was also surprising due to the former Chiefs defensive back being younger than Joe Haden, whom the Steelers opted to keep.

The Steelers and general manager Omar Khan have dealt out quite a few contracts this offseason, especially on the defensive side. The team signed Darius Slay to a one-year contract in March, followed by Pittsburgh trading for Jalen Ramsey in June and then ended with making T.J. Watt the highest-paid non-quarterback in NFL history last month.