Top 5 CB Options For Steelers To Fix Looming Defensive Woes Including A Recent Super Bowl Champion

The Pittsburgh Steelers have been struggling at the cornerback position for the last handful of seasons. Selecting Joey Porter Jr. in the second round of the 2023 NFL Draft was a step in the right direction, and he has all the makings to be a star if he can refine his skills. The issue at cornerback is who is playing opposite Porter, as that has been a problem for Pittsburgh over the last two seasons. In 2024, Donte Jackson served in the role. He struggled with injuries and is scheduled to become a free agent, so the Steelers will likely be looking for another answer.

Pittsburgh will have plenty of options in free agency to improve the cornerback position, and the Steelers could even give out the most lucrative deal to a free agent in the franchise's history. The position is extremely important, and getting quality play from both outside starting corner spots will only improve the pass rush and the rest of the defense. Thankfully the free agent class is loaded, and the Steelers should be able to land one of these promising cornerbacks.

1. DJ Reed

DJ Reed of the New York Jets is scheduled to become a free agent, and he was fairly public near the end of the 2024 season about how he had no intention to be back with the Jets. He has been one of the better cover corners in the league since arriving in New York, and he should be a great fit for the Pittsburgh defense. He played opposite of an outstanding corner in Sauce Gardner, and now he could do that again with Porter.

The veteran corner is expected to a sign a deal that is worth roughly $14.7 million per year. He is currently 28-years old, and Spotrac projects he will receive a four-year deal worth $58.6 million. Pittsburgh has plenty of cap space moving forward, and this is a deal the organization can make happen.

2. Charvarius Ward

Charvarius Ward is another 28-year old cornerback who has no intentions of going back to his former team. The veteran will be playing in a new city in 2025, and his All-Pro status means he will be highly sought after. He is expected to be paid roughly $15 million per year on a three-year deal, which is another contract Pittsburgh can afford. Ward was an All-Pro during the 2023 season, and he can easily return to that form in 2025.

3. Carlton Davis III

Carlton Davis III signed a one-year deal with the Detroit Lions ahead of the 2024 season, but the Lions believe the cornerback is too expensive to re-sign moving forward. This means he should be available once free agency opens up on March 12th, and he should be another cornerback near the top of Pittsburgh's list.

Davis won a Super Bowl with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at the end of the 2020 season. He was a key member of the defense as he started at cornerback, and his projected contract is worth less than Reed's and Ward's. His value along with his experience in winning cultures should make him the top target for Pittsburgh.

4. Rasul Douglas

Rasul Douglas is a cheaper, veteran option that could still improve the secondary in Pittsburgh. He is going to be 31-years old when the 2025 season kicks off, and he is projected to receive a three-year deal worth roughly $12 million in free agency. He is not a likely option for Pittsburgh, as the front office probably wants to see the defensive side of the ball get younger. Douglas is still an effective player, and he could be good mentor and role model for Porter.

5. Steelers Could Give Out Most Lucrative Free Agent Contract In Team History

Currently, the most lucrative free agent contract the Steelers have ever given out was to inside linebacker Patrick Queen during the 2024 offseason. Pittsburgh may break that number, as Byron Murphy is considered one of the best cornerbacks available and ultimately the fifth outstanding option on this list. Murphy made his first Pro Bowl in 2024, and he has gotten better throughout every year of his career. 

Murphy is going to be expensive, as he is projected to receive a four-year deal worth $88 million. This would be a huge contract for Pittsburgh, but it should pay off immediately.

Which cornerback do you want to see the Steelers pursue? Let us know in the comments below!

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