The Pittsburgh Steelers face some pivotal decisions with around two dozen free agents ready to test the waters. With Mike McCarthy leading a revamped coaching staff, we can anticipate a significant shake-up in the roster for 2025. However, one player who should undoubtedly be on their retention list is cornerback James Pierre.
Pierre's journey from an undrafted free agent out of Florida Atlantic in 2020 to a key contributor in the Steelers' secondary is nothing short of impressive. After initially missing out on the 53-man roster, Pierre clawed his way back and just wrapped up the finest season of his career.
In 2025, Pierre made five starts, stepping up when Darius Slay was released mid-season. His performances were eye-catching, and he quickly became a reliable asset in the Steelers' defense.
As free agency looms, the Steelers would be wise to prioritize Pierre's return. His standout performances earned him an 86.2 overall grade from Pro Football Focus, placing him second among cornerbacks for the year, just behind Devon Witherspoon, a Super Bowl champion and three-time Pro Bowler.
Pierre's coverage stats are equally compelling. He allowed only 16 receptions for 163 yards throughout the season, with one touchdown and one interception. Opposing quarterbacks struggled when targeting him, managing a mere 57.2 passer rating.
Financially, bringing Pierre back makes a lot of sense. Contract projections suggest he could command an average annual salary of just over $1.87 million, which is quite reasonable for a player of his caliber. This is a low-risk investment for the Steelers.
Looking ahead, Pierre could either start alongside Joey Porter Jr. or provide depth as a sub-package defensive back. Although he turns 30 at the start of the 2026 season and lacks top-end speed, his recent form suggests he still has a couple of productive years left.
In summary, James Pierre's recent performances and the affordable contract expectations make him a prime candidate for a new deal with the Steelers. As long as another team doesn't swoop in with a more lucrative offer, this decision should be straightforward for Pittsburgh.