Steelers Insider Claims Organization Will Aggressively Keep "Lovely" Cornerback Room Deep

The Pittsburgh Steelers had the most expensive defense in football a year ago and many of those familiar faces returned. The organization still features a very expensive defensive unit and it even expanded with Nick Herbig signing a large contract worth over $100 million. That's not the only other payday that could side of the football with Keeanu Benton and Joey Porter Jr. While they are still negotiating with the team on an extension, it's safe to say this defense once again has high expectations. 

While the edge rushers remain the premier group in this unit, there's another position emerging that deserves significant credit. That room is the cornerback unit and it may be the deepest group entering the season. Porter and Jalen Ramsey headline this group as the veterans considered at the top of the league. They have made tremendous impacts to Pittsburgh and are part of the reason why this secondary has been very strong. Ramsey is one of the highest paid corners in the league with Porter trying to join him in that status.

Along with them, the Steelers have a very a deep core beneath them, including newly signed Jamel Dean and high draft pick Daylen Everette. On top of that, Asante Samuel has also emerged as another star here. Pittsburgh is very deep at cornerback and it will require rostering a hefty group of them. Steelers' Insider Jim Wexell recently gave a number on how many corners the Steelers will keep on the roster on his latest podcast appearance.

"I have them at six corners, which is lovely," Wexell stated on The Steel City Insider podcast. "Who doesn't have six corners and none of them are a reach to keep. Samuel's, third-round pick Everette, Ramsey, [Brandin] Echols, those are your backups. I'm not cutting any of those guys."

Ramsey could be considered a safety at this point, but his main role will be in the nickel spot. This group is very deep and Wexell believes this group will be six corners deep. Injuries can happen at any time, so having this many definitely isn't a bad thing, but it does limit how many guys you keep at other positions. Fortunately, players like Ramsey are expandable and can play all over the secondary, so having him really helps when having this many guys.

Having depth is very beneficial to the organization. If Porter for some reason doesn't sign an extension, they will be deep with a young Everette emerging as a future star. Same goes with Ramsey and Dean getting older, just having reliable options makes this unit better under any circumstances thinking ahead to 2026 and beyond. 

Having these stars and depth in this secondary puts high expectations to have one of the best pass defenses in the league. They should get plenty of help from the safeties after adding a big force in Jaquan Brisker to the secondary. Additionally, if the Steelers don't trade any of their edge rushers, they should get plenty of support in putting pressure on the quarterback. There is some speculation of an Alex Highsmith trade, and the price could get the Steelers a nice return, but keeping the edge rushers deep just like the corners would really help this defense. 

Between the corners and edge rushers, Pittsburgh has a very strong and deep defense. It's impressive how much they have built up these two positional cores so far. It should pay off this season as the Steelers try to win their first playoff game in years.

Steelers Are Expected To Carry Six Corners, Keeping Strong Group Intact

There are high expectations regarding the cornerback room this season, especially with how many big faces they have in this group. It's deeper than ever and this group of six, Wexell expects them to keep is going to be exciting to watch in 2026. 

The Steelers have a new premier position group and Pittsburgh needs it to pay off.

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