Upon Review: Steelers’ Secondary Battled Through Injuries, Showed Promise Amid Inconsistency
The Pittsburgh Steelers' 2025 season was a rollercoaster for their defensive backfield - a unit that at times flashed real potential, but also struggled with consistency. Despite the ups and downs, the Steelers finished 10-7, capturing the AFC North crown.
That success came in no small part due to a secondary that, while far from perfect, made key plays when it mattered. Let’s break down the performances from Pittsburgh’s cornerbacks and safeties in 2025.
Joey Porter Jr. - Grade: A
Joey Porter Jr. took another big step forward in his second year, solidifying himself as the Steelers’ top corner. He led the team with 14 passes defensed and continued to bring a physical edge to his coverage.
What’s most impressive? He still hasn’t allowed a touchdown in man coverage since Week 8 of his rookie season.
That’s not just a stat - that’s a statement.
Porter consistently lined up across from opposing teams’ top wideouts and didn’t back down. His ability to disrupt timing routes and contest catches on the boundary gave Pittsburgh a reliable anchor in the secondary. He’s not just developing into a shutdown corner - he’s already playing like one.
James Pierre - Grade: A-
James Pierre might’ve started the season buried on the depth chart, but by year’s end, he was one of the most consistent corners on the roster. In what can only be described as a breakout campaign, Pierre stepped up in a big way, logging 11 passes defensed in just five starts - second only to Porter.
Pierre’s ability to limit completions and stay sticky in coverage brought much-needed stability to a unit that was constantly shifting due to injuries. His emergence as a dependable boundary corner was a key reason the Steelers were able to weather the storm throughout the season.
Jalen Ramsey - Grade: B
Jalen Ramsey brought the name recognition and experience, but his role in Pittsburgh was anything but typical. Acquired in the summer via the Minkah Fitzpatrick trade, Ramsey was asked to play free safety - a position shift that marked a first in his career.
While the transition wasn’t always seamless, Ramsey still found ways to impact games. He led all Steelers defensive backs with 88 tackles, added three sacks, and notched eight pass breakups.
His versatility and leadership helped hold the secondary together during a turbulent season. And while his play didn’t always match the sky-high expectations, a Pro Bowl nod shows just how valuable he remained.
Brandin Echols - Grade: C
Brandin Echols came in as a free agent and filled the slot corner role, which allowed Ramsey to slide into his new safety responsibilities. Echols had flashes - including two timely interceptions - but overall, his play was uneven.
With just three starts in 16 games, Echols didn’t quite lock down the slot the way Pittsburgh needed. He was serviceable, but not the kind of consistent presence that could elevate the unit. Still, his contributions weren’t insignificant, especially considering the constant reshuffling in the secondary.
Asante Samuel Jr. - Grade: C
After the Steelers lost DeShon Elliott to injury in Week 8, the front office went hunting for reinforcements. Enter Asante Samuel Jr., who was signed to the practice squad in November and promoted shortly after. It didn’t take long for him to make an impact - he snagged a key interception off Tua Tagovailoa just 13 days after joining the active roster.
Samuel’s advanced coverage metrics were solid, and he provided a stabilizing presence during a stretch when the secondary was stretched thin. While his sample size was small, he did enough to suggest he could be more than just a stopgap.
Rotational Players and Depth
The Steelers’ depth was tested all season, and several rotational players had to step up.
Chuck Clark was initially tasked with replacing Elliott but went down himself, prompting Pittsburgh to trade for Kyle Dugger. Dugger stepped in at strong safety and made the most of his opportunity - including a pick-six against the Bengals that swung momentum late in the season.
Clark returned later in a reserve role and still managed 45 tackles, showing his value as a veteran presence even without a full-time role.
Undrafted rookie Sebastian Castro saw action in nine games, largely on special teams. After a brief stint with Tampa Bay, he returned to Pittsburgh in time for the playoffs, where he served as a depth piece.
Injuries also claimed cornerbacks Donte Kent and Cory Trice Jr., both of whom spent the season on IR. D’Shawn Jamison saw limited action, logging just 11 special teams snaps at the tail end of the season.
Final Grade: B-
This was a secondary that had to fight through adversity - and at times, it showed. Injuries, midseason acquisitions, and shifting roles created a revolving door in the defensive backfield. But even with all that, the group managed to generate timely turnovers and hold up in key moments.
Joey Porter Jr. looks like a budding star. James Pierre had a career year.
Ramsey brought leadership and production, even if his role was unconventional. And the midseason reinforcements - Samuel, Dugger - proved valuable down the stretch.
Still, the inconsistency can’t be ignored. Opposing quarterbacks weren’t shy about testing this group, and the results were mixed. With several players headed for free agency and a new coaching staff taking over, the Steelers’ secondary could look very different in 2026.
But if there’s a silver lining, it’s this: the foundation is there. Now it’s about building on it.