The Green Bay Packers and Pittsburgh Steelers are both eyeing upgrades in the secondary this offseason, and one name that’s starting to generate buzz is Jamel Dean.
Dean, a pending free agent coming off a strong year with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, is set to hit the open market. And with both Green Bay and Pittsburgh needing help at corner, the fit is worth examining.
Let’s start with the Packers. Green Bay has already moved on from Trevon Diggs and is clearly looking to shake things up in the defensive backfield.
The trio of Hobbs, Keisean Nixon, and Carrington Valentine didn’t exactly lock things down in 2025. They’ll need more consistency and playmaking on the outside if they want to take that next step defensively.
Enter Dean - a physical, experienced corner who’s coming off one of the most efficient coverage seasons of his career. He allowed just a 49.2% completion rate when targeted and held opposing quarterbacks to a 63.1 passer rating - both the second-best marks of his career. Add in a 76.9 Pro Football Focus coverage grade (ninth among all corners) and three interceptions, one of which he took to the house, and it’s easy to see why teams are circling.
But the Packers aren’t the only team that could use Dean’s services. The Steelers have their own questions at cornerback.
James Pierre and Asante Samuel Jr. are both pending free agents, and there's a real possibility Jalen Ramsey becomes a cap casualty. That leaves Pittsburgh with Joey Porter Jr. as the clear CB1, but they’ll need a steady, veteran presence opposite him to solidify the back end.
Dean fits that mold. He brings championship experience, solid technique, and the ability to make plays on the ball - something the Steelers could use more of. Pittsburgh’s defense has long been built on physicality and opportunism, and Dean’s game complements that identity.
Now, there are a couple of caveats with Dean. The biggest one?
Availability. He’s never played a full season in the NFL.
His high watermark is 15 games, and durability has been a lingering concern throughout his career. That said, when he’s on the field, he delivers - and that’s why teams like the Packers, Steelers, Jets, and 49ers are expected to be in the mix.
Of those four, the Steelers might have the clearest path to land him. They’ve got more flexibility with the cap, and their need at the position is arguably more urgent. Green Bay is still sorting out its defensive identity, while Pittsburgh is looking to reload and return to its defensive roots.
Dean would bring immediate value to either team, but don’t be surprised if the Steelers make the strongest push. They’ve got the cap room, a ready-made role, and a defense that could use another proven playmaker in the secondary.