CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Joe Haden was only out of the AFC North for a few hours. After the Browns released the two-time Pro Bowler on Wednesday morning, the Steelers swooped in to sign Haden to a three-year, $27 million deal before most steel workers had clocked out for the day.

While Haden had several other suitors chasing his services, including the Raiders, Cowboys and Saints, joining the Steelers wasn't a difficult choice. He met the team ahead of its final preseason game against the Panthers, and everything seemed to fall into place.

"They were super interested in me," Haden said after the Steelers' 17-14 win over the Panthers on Thursday night at BkofAma Stadium. "I just felt like once I was free, I wanted to have a chance to be able to play in some meaningful games, you know what I'm saying?

"They don't really miss the playoffs, so I'm like, I just wanted to be a part of something where I could play in the playoffs."