Steelers' 2025 Unsung Hero May Be Impossible To Hold Onto In 2026 Free Agency

The Pittsburgh Steelers have truly had a rollercoaster ride of a 2025 NFL season. The team has been one of the league's most inconsistent, and yet, it has itself positioned to win the AFC North, which would lead to a playoff game being hosted in the Steel City for the first time since the 2020 campaign. There is still plenty of time left for things to go wrong, but a Week 14 win over the Baltimore Ravens cannot go unnoticed given the nature of the standings. Now, Mike Tomlin's collective will need to figure out how to finds its stride at the most important time of year.

One of the most fascinating mysteries of the season through 14 weeks has been the Steelers' unpredictable defensive play. At times, the unit performs exceptionally well, while other moments have displayed poor outings from a group that is the highest-paid in the NFL. The stars have executed well enough to give Pittsburgh a shot most weeks, but there is a specific defender that has exceeded expectations, stepping up at a crucial position.

The Steelers signed Darius Slay to a one-year, $10 million contract in the offseason. Coming off of a Super Bowl win, the front office surely believed that his veteran presence and experience would be perfect for the locker room. That did not end up being the case, as he was released after he and the team reached a mutual agreement to part ways.

This opened the door for the team to bring up newly-signed corner Asante Samuel Jr. from the practice squad, but that wasn't the individual that did with the most with the fresh opportunity. That happened before the release of Slay, with veteran James Pierre stepping up and consistently playing well. Not only did he come up with a big interception of Lamar Jackson in Week 14, but his consistency on defense and special teams prowess are impossible to understate.

Not everyone takes too much stock into what Pro Football Focus grades are; however, it's fair to note that Pierre is listed as the third-best cornerback throughout the entire season, according to PFF's model. That, along with his ability to work in as a gunner on special teams, paints a bleak picture for the Steelers come the offseason. He may finally have earned a legitimate contract, and it's possible that Pittsburgh won't have the appetite to pay the soon-to-be free agent.

Joey Porter Jr. and Nick Herbig are the first two defensive players to come to mind when 2026 offseason extensions are being discussed. While Pierre has been a standout player, and arguably one of the most consistent defenders, priorities could lie elsewhere for the franchise. The cap space could be there to make it happen, but there is certainly a chance, after Pierre's play in 2025, that someone swoops in to overpay him.

It may not seem like a big deal to lose Pierre, but it'd be a mistake to not make an attempt at re-signing him. Top-end gunners are tough to find in the NFL, and cornerbacks don't grow on trees. Pittsburgh has struggled finding consistent talent at the position. No one would have guessed it entering the campaign, but the Steelers could be involved in a small bidding war for his services come March.

Steelers Do Have Another Possible Signee At Cornerback

While Samuel hasn't been a vital part of the defense since joining the team, the sky could be the limit for him after recovering from surgery in the 2025 offseason. If Pierre does indeed find a new home because of how well he has played, it could be due to the fact that Pittsburgh already signed Samuel to a simple two-year deal prior to free agency opening. It will be an interesting situation, but there is no doubt that Pierre has earned himself some more money.

Do you think the Steelers will lose Pierre in free agency? Let us know in the comments below!

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