The Pittsburgh Steelers are making moves to bolster their secondary, having reached an agreement with former Tampa Bay Buccaneers cornerback Jamel Dean. The deal, spanning three years and worth $36.75 million, signals the Steelers' commitment to strengthening their defense.
At 29, Dean brings a wealth of experience to Pittsburgh. Ranked 84th on The Athletic's Top 150 Free Agents list and sixth among cornerbacks, he's a notable acquisition.
During his seven seasons with Tampa Bay, Dean started 77 games and was a key player in the Buccaneers' Super Bowl LV triumph over the Kansas City Chiefs. Last season, despite grappling with hip and shoulder injuries that sidelined him for three games, Dean managed to start 14 games and notch a career-high three interceptions.
In addition to signing Dean, the Steelers have also retained cornerback Asante Samuel Jr., who re-signed earlier on Monday. Samuel joined Pittsburgh as a free agent last November and his return adds depth and continuity to the team's defensive backfield.
With these moves, the Steelers are clearly focused on fortifying their defense, aiming to create a formidable unit that can compete at the highest level. Fans should keep an eye on how these additions impact the team's performance as the season unfolds.