The Pittsburgh Steelers solidified their cornerback position by signing former Super Bowl champion Jamel Dean this month. Dean was arguably the best corner on the market and landed with the Black and Gold on a nice three-year, $36 million contract. He'll have a cap hit of just $5 million, with a potential out in 2027. The contract is a low-risk deal, but it shouldn't be an issue regardless. Dean is 29 and will be 30 in October; he should still have gas left in the tank.
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Pittsburgh Steelers cornerback (35) Jamel Dean returns an interception for a touchdown during his time with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
Dean was one of the best corners in the NFL in 2025. He was Pro Football Focus' third-best corner in the entire league. The former Buccaneer racked up 46 tackles, nine pass deflections, three interceptions, and two forced fumbles. He is one of the best tackling corners as well.
Dean played in 14 games this past season, accumulating 661 snaps, which ranked 60th out of 217 qualifying players. Injuries have been a concern for the defensive back over the last few seasons, and could maybe be a concern for the Steelers. Insider Mark Kaboly however, spoke on his show Kaboly + Mack recently about the Steelers' offseason moves so far. He mentioned that the Steelers made great moves on paper, but won't jump the gun just yet about the potential. He spoke about the Dean move in particular, saying that he would be the most Darius Slay-like move. He also drops the news that Dean may have had recent procedures, but does not specify which.
"You got probably the best free agent corner that was out there, but he's, I think he's dealing with age issues right," Kaboly said. "I think he's, probably went through a procedure or two. He might not be practicing early, I don't think. That doesn't really matter though, he'll be ready for training camp."
Dean dealt with shoulder and hip injuries in 2025, but still played in 14 games as mentioned. The procedures could be nothing serious, but it's not a good sign that a cornerback who's pushing 30 years old is having significant repairs on his body.
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New Pittsburgh Steelers cornerback Jamel Dean (35) during his time with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
Dean is being compared to Slay, but he is coming off a much better season and is much younger. Slay was 34 when he signed in Pittsburgh, while Dean isn't even 30 yet.
Steelers' Dean Move Is Low-Risk, High-Reward Acquisition
Dean is on a nice contract with an out in 2027 as mentioned. If he has underwhelming play this upcoming season, the Steelers will be able to get out of it after just a season. That likely won't happen, but it's a nice insurance policy if you're Pittsburgh. Dean, in his time with Tampa Bay, was their top corner. In the Steel City, he will likely be the number two. It's assumed by most fans and pundits as of now that Pittsburgh will leave the top opposing receivers week in and week out to superstar Joey Porter Jr., who is one of the best corners in the entire NFL. Porter himself is due for a major payday, but that move should be an easy decision for the organization.
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Pittsburgh Steelers cornerback Joey Porter Jr. (24) during a regular season game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Indianapolis Colts, Sunday, Nov. 2, 2025, in Pittsburgh, PA.
The team also re-signed Asante Samuel Jr., who was solid when called upon in 2025 halfway through the year. Samuel is just 26 and still has good years left in him. If Dean doesn't work out and isn't the player the Steelers had hoped, Samuel will be waiting. It's a nice problem to have and one the team hasn't been used to in recent years. Having plenty of capable cornerbacks on the roster will be a luxury. Hopefully, Dean is still a great player and isn't plagued by anymore serious injuries. If he can replicate his 2025 season, the Steelers could have the best corner tandem in the entire NFL.
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