The Pittsburgh Steelers have some holes to fill in their secondary, with Donte Jackson and Cam Sutton both set to hit free agency this offseason.
While both players have their strengths, with the way the Steelers fell apart on defense down the stretch, and with communications breakdowns throughout the season, it's not crazy to see the team seeking upgrades in free agency.
That's not always easy to find, but there are plenty to be had in this year's free agent class. While the pickings are slim at quarterback and wide receiver , there is at least one spot where Omar Khan has a big need, and free agency is almost certain to have the players to fill it.
2024 stats: 14 games, 64 tackles, 11 passes defended, 0 interceptions2024 contract AAV: $11 million
Why it would work:Reed has been outstanding over the last three seasons in New York, forming a 1B to Sauce Gardner 's 1A with the Jets. The dynamic between him and Gardner is something the Steelers would love to have alongside Joey Porter Jr. The Jets play a lot of man coverage, about as much as the Steelers, and he would be a good fit for that part of their scheme.
The Jets are going to have to pay Gardner in the near future, and appear to be OK with Reed hitting free agency. He's been fairly durable throughout his career.
Why it won't work:Reed is just 5-foot-9, and that has not been the body archetype the Steelers have been pursuing at the cornerback position lately. The Steelers have traditionally cared a lot about tackling ability in cornerbacks. He has not been a turnover-maker, with just six picks over seven seasons. Reed was also highly penalized in 2024, drawing 11 flags aimed his way, with nine accepted penalties. All 11 were for pass interference, illegal use of hands, or holding.
He could very well be the most expensive free agent on the board, and while the Steelers have the cap space to play in his salary range, it may not be necessary to do so to get a strong starter, given the depth of the free agent class.
Minnesota Vikings defensive back Byron Murphy Jr. is pictured during warmups before an NFL football game against the Seattle Seahawks, Sunday, Dec. 22, 2024, in Seattle. The Vikings won 27-24. (AP Photo/Stephen Brashear)
2024 stats: 17 games, 81 tackles, 14 passes defended, six interceptions 2024 contract AAV: $8.75 million
Why it would work:Murphy is coming off a fantastic season, making his first career Pro Bowl after serving as a key piece in Brian Flores' ever-shifting defense and nabbing a career-high six picks. He's slot and outside versatile.
Why it won't work:Minnesota played among the least man coverage in the league last year, something the Steelers could be looking to do more of by moving on from Donte Jackson. He's a bit undersized for an outside cornerback and is not a particularly good tackler.
2024 stats: 13 games, 56 tackles, 11 passes defended, 2 interceptions2024 contract AAV: $14.5 million
Why it would work:Davis uses his longer frame to make a lot of plays on balls at the catch point, and he has more than enough deep speed to keep a lid on things. Always a good player in Tampa, Davis flourished with the Lions and is coming off a career-best season. He missed the end of the year due to a broken jaw, but that is not expected to hamper him going forward.
Why it won't work:The Lions probably have the cap space to bring Davis back if they want to, and he's talked about loving playing for Dan Campbell. Like Reed, Davis will be at the very top of the free agent market, and with quarterback and wide receiver also un-accounted for, the Steelers could choose to play in a different tax bracket at cornerback.
TALLAHASSEE, FL – OCTOBER 3: Cornerback Asante Samuel, Jr. #26 of the Florida State Seminoles celebrates with his teammates on the sidelines after making an interception in the 4th quarter of the game against the Jacksonville State Gamecocks at Doak Campbell Stadium on Bobby Bowden Field on October 3, 2020 in Tallahassee, Florida. Florida State defeated Jacksonville State 41 to 24. (Photo by Don Juan Moore/Character Lines)
2024 stats: 4 games, 13 tackles, 2 passes defended, 0 interceptions2024 contract AAV: $1.81 million
Why it would work:Have you heard the Steelers like NFL bloodlines? Samuel has lived up to his legacy and then some. The former second-round pick had back-to-back outstanding seasons in 2022 and 2023, establishing himself as one of the best young cover cornerbacks in the league.
Why it won't work:Samuel missed all but four games in 2024 due to a shoulder injury, an injury that could be problematic for a player that was already considered a weak tackler. He's a bit on the slight side, but has some slot versatility that could allow the Steelers to play Cory Trice Jr. outside against bigger WR2s.
Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver George Pickens guarded by San Francisco 49ers cornerback Charvarius Ward
2024 stats: 12 games, 54 tackles, 7 passes defended, 0 interceptions2024 contract AAV: $13.5 million
Why it would work:Ward's 2024 season was a struggle. He missed time due to the death of his daughter, and while still solid, he did not deliver the same kind of splash he had during an All-Pro season in 2023. But Ward is still just 29 years old, appears to have a lot of juice for the game remaining. He could end up being the best cornerback of this group, but he won't be the most expensive. The 49ers appear set to let him hit free agency. A former Super Bowl champion with the Kansas City Chiefs , he will bring a level of been-there, done-that that is not currently possessed by the Steelers secondary.
Why it won't work:Ward will be popular in free agency, and the Steelers might not want to get into a bidding war with so many other options. The Chiefs could welcome a reunion, and that might be hard for Ward to turn down.
2024 stats: 7 games, 52 tackles, 10 passes defended, 3 interceptions2024 contract AAV: $1.26 million
Why it would work:Just 26 years old, Adebo has already started over 50 NFL games. He's a solid tackler and makes a ton of plays on the football, with 10 career interceptions. Over the last two seasons, he's had a passer rating when targeted of less than 70.
Why it won't work:Adebo missed most of the 2024 season with a grisly broken femur, and it's unclear if he'll be 100% on the other side of that injury. He is highly penalized, averaging almost nine flags per season.
Buffalo Bills cornerback Rasul Douglas (31) runs out for introductions before an NFL football game against the New England Patriots in Orchard Park, N.Y., Sunday, Dec. 31, 2023. (AP Photo/Adrian Kraus)
2024 stats: 15 games, 58 tackles, 5 passes defended, 0 interceptions2024 contract AAV: $7 million
Why it would work:Douglas has a similar build to Porter, and won a Super Bowl with Andy Weidl in Philadelphia . He's bounced around the league a bit over the last few years, picking up experience in a wide variety of schemes.
Why it won't work:Douglas did not have a great year with the Bills in 2024. After intercepting 14 passes over his previous three seasons, he did not get his hands on a single one. He had a 116.9 passer rating when targeted, per PFF . His free agent price might be more about reputation than current results.
Baltimore Ravens defensive back Brandon Stephens tackles Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver Mike Williams on Dec. 21, 2024. — Ed Thompson / Steelers Now
2024 stats: 17 games, 70 tackles, 10 passes defended, 0 interceptions2024 contract AAV: $1.2 million
Why it would work:After starting his career at safety, Stephens has become a pretty solid, if unspectacular, second cornerback for the Ravens. It's going to be tight for Baltimore to be able to bring him back with their cap situation. In addition to the safety, he has also played some slot corner.
Why it won't work:Stephens has just two career interceptions. He didn't play as well in 2024 as he had in 2023. Despite the presence of former teammates DeShon Elliott and Patrick Queen in Pittsburgh, moves between the Ravens and Steelers are rare.
Jourdan Lewis from Washington Football Team vs. Dallas Cowboys at FedEx Field, Landover, Maryland, October 25, 2020 (All-Pro Reels Photography)
2024 stats: 16 games, 71 tackles, 8 passes defended, 1 interception2024 contract AAV: $2.83 million
Why it would work:Lewis has been a longtime starter for the Cowboys, filling that role for the better part of the last five seasons. He has a reputation as a strong cover corner, is an above-average tackler, and does not take many penalties. He's missed significant playing time just once in eight seasons, and despite that veteran status, he is not yet 30 years old.
Why it won't work:Lewis was never all that fast — he ran a 4.54-second 40 yard-dash coming out of Michigan — and he might not age all that gracefully as a result. He would be a big speed downgrade from Jackson.
2024 stats: 15 games, 56 tackles, 9 passes defended, 1 interception2024 contract AAV: $7 million
Why it would work:Once the top defensive player in all of football, let alone the best cornerback, Gilmore has settled into a supporting role the last few years. He played well alongside a budding star in Murphy in Minnesota this year, and could be a mentor to Porter as he hopes to make the same ascension.
Why it won't work:Gilmore will be 35 next season, so this is clearly a one-year-at-a-time option at this point. At some point, the wheels will fall off entirely, and five straight teams have decided they didn't want to take another shot on him the following season.
Pittsburgh Steelers cornerback Donte Jackson celebrates an interception against the Dallas Cowboys on Oct. 6, 2024. — Ed Thompson / Steelers Now
2024 stats: 15 games, 38 tackles, 8 passes defended, 5 interceptions2024 contract AAV: $6 million
Why it would work:He was pretty good when he was healthy, with a hot start to the 2024 season. Jackson's five interceptions gave the Steelers a desperately needed jolt of splash in the secondary. He's still just 29 and has not lost his long speed. Jackson appeared to be well-liked by his teammates and coaches and would be a welcome return to the locker room.
Why it won't work:Health has been a continual issue for him, not just in 2024, and the Steelers likely won't want to make a major commitment to him because of that has he starts to age. This would have to be a bargain deal. Jackson is not a big guy, and while a willing if not overwhelmingly effective tackler through most of his career, he didn't even appear to be that willing after his injury this season. His lack of man coverage ability limited what the Steelers could do schematically in the secondary.
2024 stats: 15 games, 51 tackles, 7 passes defended, 1 interception2024 contract AAV: $3.125 million
Why it would work:Fulton came in and was a part of a big defensive turnaround with the Chargers in 2024. He has played in the slot in the past.
Why it won't work:The Chargers played very little man coverage in 2024, and were among the league leaders in Cover 4, a defense Pittsburgh rarely uses. Fulton is not a strong tackler, drew nine penalty flags in 2024 and allowed a career-high six touchdowns. His play seemed to fade down the stretch after starting 2024 strong.
2024 stats: 15 games, 66 tackles, 6 passes defended, 0 interceptions2024 contract AAV: $3.5 million
Why it would work:A former first-round pick, Hughes finally seemed to live up to his draft status with a breakout season. Another former member of a Chiefs Super Bowl squad, it doesn't seem likely that he'll be back in Atlanta. Hughes has played both slot and outside cornerback throughout his career.
Why it won't work:Hughes has an extensive injury history, including missing seven games in 2024. He'd be a signifiant risk with just one season as a full-time starter in his career. He's never been a strong tackler. Hughes seems in many ways like a downgrade from Jackson.
2024 stats: 17 games, 76 tackles, 17 passes defended, 2 interceptions2024 contract AAV: $1.22 million
Why it would work:Jackson became a surprise starter for the Seahawks in 2022 after washing out a fifth-round pick of the Dallas Cowboys in 2019. He replaced Donte Jackson once before, joining the Panthers in a trade after the Steelers sent Dionte Johnson to Carolina. He's still reasonably young and has low miles for his age.
Why it won't work:Carolina seems likely to try to keep Jackson.
2024 stats: 11 games, 49 tackles, 5 passes defended, 1 interception2024 contract AAV: $0.95 million
Why it would work:Hobbs has played inside and outside, but at 6-foot-1, 195 pounds, he's a bigger body than most inside-capable players. He played for new Steelers defensive backs coach Gerald Alexander with the Raiders in 2024. No matter where he's lined up, he's played a lot of man coverage.
Why it won't work:Despite his size, Hobbs is a below-average tackler — though he made 10 against the Steelers last fall. He's missed 16 games due to injury over the past three seasons. Hobbs might be better suited to slot play than outside.
2024 stats: 11 games, 22 tackles, 2 passes defended, 0 interceptions2024 contract AAV: $4.25 million
Why it would work:White's arrival at the trade deadline in Baltimore coincided with a significant up-turn in the play of those around him — something the Steelers would probably like to happen for Porter and Minkah Fitzpatrick in 2024. The Steelers and Ravens play similar defensive schemes, so it should be a smooth transition. He was excellent against the Steelers this year, which is seemingly always a factor in such decisions for Pittsburgh. White is a solid tackler for a smaller cornerback.
Why it won't work:White is obviously not the player he once was, and has played in just 32 games over the last four seasons while dealing with knee and Achilles injuries. The Steelers are loathe to hand out big money to injury-prone players in free agency.
2024 stats: 17 games, 58 tackles, 6 passes defended, 0 interceptions2024 contract AAV: $9.5 million
Why it would work:Jones has has played both inside and outside cornerback, and could provide the Steelers a versatile CB2/3, letting the team go into the draft looking for another option at the position while not forcing them to commit to an inside or outside player. Jones has also played a little bit of safety, giving the Steelers the versatility they love in the secondary.
Why it won't work:Jones turns 32 next season, so he would not be the long-term solution at the position that several of the other free agent options could be. At just 5-foot-9, he does not the size the Steelers look for. After posting four interceptions in 2022, he does not have one in either of the past two seasons. At this point in his career, Jones feels like a better replacement for Cam Sutton than Donte Jackson.
2024 stats: 17 games, 41 tackles, 0 passes defended, 0 interceptions2024 contract AAV: $2.98 million
Why it would work:This would be a high-upside swing on a player that was a first-round pick that finally posted a second strong season in 2024. He looked good as a rookie in 2021, got waylaid by injuries, but looks to be a back in the saddle. Stokes is a thickly-built player and a strong tackler, but does not take penalties — he was flagged just once in 2024.
Why it won't work:The injuries. Stokes missed most of the 2022 and 2023 seasons with ankle and hamstring issues. His lack of ball impact is astounding. Stokes has not defended a single pass since December 2021.
2024 stats: 17 games, 41 tackles, 6 passes defended, 2 interceptions024 contract AAV: $4.55 million
Why it would work:The third Minnesota cornerback on this list, Griffin has shown solid coverage chops. He allowed just a 76.2 passer rating when targeted in 2024 and committed only two penalties. He also has improved as a tackler as his career has gone one. He posted a career low 4.3 missed tackle rate in 2024, per PFF . The Vikings might re-sign some of this CB group, but they can't keep everyone.
Why it won't work:Griffin has not been a full-time starter since 2021, and has played for four teams over the past three seasons, including a stint on waivers in 2023. The same man coverage questions arise as with Murphy, especially considering the boom/bust/boom serpentine of Griffin's career. He appears to be the kind of player where scheme fit matters.
2024 stats: 14 games, 28 tackles, 5 passes defended, 0 interceptions2024 contract AAV: $1.75 million
Why it would work:A former first-round pick that turned into a solid starter instead of a star, Jackson is coming from a similar Cover 1/3 scheme in New York. He's fast and he's been flagged just 24 times in his entire eight-year NFL career. He and the Giants seem to be done after looking that way this time last year and ending up back together.
Why it won't work:Jackson fell out of favor in New York last season, playing just 426 snaps. He started just five games, ceding playing time to not only rising star Deonte Banks , but also former third-round pick Cor'Dale Flott. I'd prefer the Steelers own Jackson.
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