The Steelers’ cornerback situation has taken an odd turn this season, and the name drawing the biggest regret isn’t Joey Porter Jr.
Pittsburgh’s defense has held up without Porter since his trade to the Dallas Cowboys became official, and the secondary has settled in with defensive coordinator Patrick Graham in the mix. But if there’s a former Steelers cornerback the team should be wishing it still had, it’s James Pierre.
Pierre left in the 2026 offseason and signed with the Minnesota Vikings on a two-year, $8.5 million deal, a contract the Steelers could have matched or topped. Halfway through the 2026 season, that decision looks costly. Minnesota has the NFL’s top-ranked pass defense, and Pierre has been a big part of that success.
Porter’s time in Dallas has been solid in spots, but not dominant. In four games with the Cowboys this season, he has done a good job against the man in front of him, though penalties have been an issue. His 68.0 overall grade from Pro Football Focus ranks 27th among 102 qualifying defensive backs.
Pierre’s numbers are much stronger. He has a 75.9 overall grade at the midway point, which puts him 12th among NFL cornerbacks.
In seven games, he has been targeted only 18 times across 117 coverage snaps, allowed nine catches for 84 yards, and picked off two passes without giving up a touchdown. Opposing quarterbacks have managed just a 23.6 passer rating when throwing his way, per PFF [$].
Working in a heavy rotation in Minnesota’s secondary, Pierre is allowing only 12 receiving yards per game in coverage and is on pace to give up just 204 yards over the full season. He has also been steady against the run, with just one missed tackle.
The contrast between Pierre and Porter goes beyond performance. It also comes down to price and attitude.
Porter, according to the source, “essentially faked a back injury and refused to suit up for the Steelers, as he sought a contract to be the highest-paid cornerback in the NFL.” Pierre took a far different path, signing with Minnesota for $4.25 million per year even after being PFF’s No. 2-ranked cornerback in the NFL in 2025.
That kind of value is hard to ignore. The Steelers have no reason to second-guess their Jamel Dean signing, and they would still make the same call on Asante Samuel Jr. if given the chance. But Pierre would have given them depth, security, and toughness at corner at a bargain price.
So while the Steelers may not regret moving Porter to Dallas, they probably do regret letting Pierre leave for so little when he’s still playing like a very good NFL cornerback.
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