Steelers Likely To Make Roster Addition At Important Defensive Position

The Pittsburgh Steelers have been involved in the sports news cycle pretty much every week of the 2024 offseason. The main talking points surrounded the quarterback position and a potential trade for San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk. While those two areas have been highlights for months, there is another expected weak point for the team that has not been talked about nearly as much. The organization is confident that Joey Porter Jr. and Donte Jackson can be the top two cornerbacks, but after them, specifically in the slot, raises plenty of questions. One would think that there are plans in place to bolster the unit.f

There are plenty of fans who have been wondering if the Steelers would reach out to Patrick Peterson regarding a reunion, but the veteran is more than likely going to be looked at as a late-season addition by teams in the playoff hunt, and looking for help at corner. For now, it appears Beanie Bishop Jr. will lead the way at nickel, but when healthy, Thomas Graham Jr. could get the nod.

Overall, the depth chart is relatively thin and lacking legitimate experience across the board at cornerback. One unfortunate injury to Porter or Jackson will leave the organization scrambling, despite the potential emergence of 2023 seventh-round pick Cory Trice Jr. That is why it is extremely likely that the team adds to the room sooner rather than later.

Gerry Dulac of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette hosted his weekly fan chat on Wednesday before the players began to show up to the locker room. He detailed that while the hierarchy has formed, questions remain and a new face being brought in is certainly an option.

"We know the starters, Porter and Jackson, and that is an upgrade over what they had last year. Cory Trice right now is No. 3, and while he has the measurables and looked good in the preseason, he has never played in an NFL game. Neither has their slot corner. So, yeah, I think adding a veteran is still a possibility," Dulac wrote.

Trice is dealing with a bit of a groin injury which is concerning, but overall, that could be anyone struggling with an injury, and the group would take a significant hit. There simply does not seem to be nearly enough reliable depth as a Week 1 matchup against the Atlanta Falcons approaches.

Other than Peterson, a few names stick out that could be brought in to help the unit's cause. Xavien Howard and JC Jackson remain free agents, while Eli Apple and a familiar face in Ahkello Witherspoon could also be brought in. It's hard to imagine that, with so many names available, the Steelers aren't internally discussing which player might be the best fit for the defense at this moment in time. A move should be made at some point.

Veterans will often sign after the season begins and all four of the names above could be ones to keep an eye on for Pittsburgh. The franchise loves familiarity, which leads to Witherspoon being an intriguing name, especially after he was able to intercept three passes for the Los Angeles Rams in 2023. There isn't a doubt that the Steelers could use some help and it's more a matter of when, not if, someone will be called to sign a one-year deal.

Steelers Defense Not Going To Be The Biggest Worry In 2024

While Pittsburgh has some questions in the secondary, there are plenty of play-makers on that side of the ball to help the team win games consistently. It is the offense, however, that will remain the biggest question mark throughout the season. A healthy defense will give the organization every chance to win 10 or more games. If the offense falters, it might just end up being Head Coach Mike Tomlin's first losing season in the Steel City.

Do you think that the Steelers will add a veteran cornerback soon? Let us know in the comments below!

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