The Pittsburgh Steelers have addressed one of the most widely discussed issues surrounding the team by signing veteran quarterback Aaron Rodgers. His arrival brings much-needed stability and experience to the position, which has been a major topic of concern in recent years. However, with Rodgers now officially a member of the team, a new wave of conversation has emerged, which has centered around what his presence might mean for the rest of the roster. The last time Rodgers joined a new team, it wasn’t just media buzz that followed him; several of his former teammates ended up joining him as well. Now, speculation is once again building about whether a similar pattern could unfold in Pittsburgh.

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Steelers quarterback Aaron Rodgers throwing the football during his time with the New York Jets.
Recently, Rodgers' former team, the Green Bay Packers, released veteran cornerback Jaire Alexander, who is a former teammate of Rodgers. This move immediately sparked speculation about the possibility of a reunion between the two in Pittsburgh. However, during a recent chat session hosted by Steelers insider Brian Batko for the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, Batko was quick to stop any talk of a potential reunion. When asked about the likelihood of Alexander joining the Steelers, Batko shut down those rumors.
"I don’t see Jaire Alexander pushing for a release from the Packers just to go to a different team with two entrenched starting outside corners," Batko responded.
Unfortunately, Alexander was ultimately released by the Packers due to ongoing injury concerns and questions surrounding his overall availability on the field. Despite his talent and past success, his inability to consistently stay healthy became a significant issue for Green Bay, a red flag that would undoubtedly raise concerns for any team considering signing him. For the Steelers, who have already dealt with their fair share of injuries in recent seasons and still face lingering health challenges across the roster, adding a player with such a history would be a risky move.

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Former Green Bay Packers cornerback Jaire Alexander looking on during a game.
The Steelers are also fortunate to have two solid cornerbacks firmly established on their roster, with Joey Porter Jr. as one of them. Selected 32nd overall in the 2023 NFL Draft, Porter Jr. entered the league with high expectations, especially given his strong college performance at Penn State and his deep family ties to the organization. Over the course of his first two seasons, he has more than lived up to the hype, quickly developing into a dependable and dynamic presence in the Steelers' secondary. As the son of former Steelers great Joey Porter Sr., Porter Jr. is not only building his own legacy, but also reinforcing a proud family tradition within the franchise. His growth into a cornerstone of the defense has been a major bright spot for Pittsburgh and a promising sign for the team's future. If he can cutdown on penalties in 2025, that could catapult him into the upper echelon of cornerbacks throughout the NFL.
Another key addition to the Steelers' cornerback group is veteran Darius Slay Jr., who was acquired during the 2025 offseason. While Slay is nearing the later stages of his career, he brings a wealth of experience and proven talent to the secondary. Fresh off a Super Bowl win with the Philadelphia Eagles, Slay arrives in Pittsburgh with a desire to contribute both on and off the field. He has expressed his enthusiasm for joining the Steelers multiple times, emphasizing his commitment to providing leadership, mentoring younger players, and continuing to perform at a high level. His presence adds valuable depth and veteran savvy to a cornerback unit already showing strong potential.

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Steelers' Darius Slay speaking to members of the Pittsburgh media while he gets introduced to the team.
Steelers Have Work To Do For 2025
Whether or not the Steelers choose to pursue Alexander, who, based on current schemes, doesn’t appear to be an ideal fit, the team still has plenty of work ahead. As offseason programs get underway, maintaining player health and focus will be critical in preparing for the season ahead. With several roster decisions yet to be finalized, the pressure is on for players to stay sharp and put in the extra effort to secure their roles and help build a competitive team for the upcoming year.
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