The Pittsburgh Steelers' secondary clearly needed to be better after what transpired during the end of the 2024 season. Too many big plays, communication breakdowns, and late-game collapses exposed the unit in critical moments. With expectations rising across the roster, Pittsburgh knew upgrades and development in the secondary would be essential to take the next step.
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Steelers' Darius Slay speaking to members of the Pittsburgh media while he gets introduced to the team.
The Steelers are banking on a major leap from Joey Porter Jr., who has flashed serious potential in his first two NFL seasons but still has room to grow. To aid in his development, the team brought in respected defensive backs coach Gerald Alexander, known for his ability to refine technique and elevate young talent. Pittsburgh also made a win-now move by signing 34-year-old cornerback Darius Slay to a one-year, $10 million deal, adding valuable experience and leadership to the defensive backfield.
The secondary should be improved, but not everyone sees it as merely a step forward. Former Steelers cornerback Bryant McFadden made headlines on CBS Sports Friday by stating he believes this group is one of the top five secondaries in the entire NFL heading into 2025. It’s a bold take, but if Porter continues to develop, Slay stays healthy, and the coaching upgrades pay off, the Steelers may finally have the lockdown unit they’ve been missing.
"I have Pittsburgh, the Steelers, in my top-five secondaries for this upcoming year because when you look at the combination of experience, of playmaking ability, not to mention a youthful movement as well," McFadden said. "Starting with Joey Porter Jr., he's considered one of the best man-to-man corners, especially press-man corners in the game. He's really excelled from where he was his rookie year."
The Steelers parted ways with defensive backs coach, Grady Brown, after the 2024 season because they felt he wasn’t getting the most out of Porter's development. In his place, they hired Alexander, a respected coach known for his ability to teach technique and accelerate growth in young defensive backs. The move showed the Steelers are serious about turning Porter into a true cornerstone of their defense.
Hard Knocks
Steelers’ Joey Porter Jr. talks with Grady Brown after the 2024 season.
Slay also joined the team with a clear mission in mind. Not only does he bring years of experience and playmaking ability, but he has also made it known that he wants to help Porter become one of the elite cornerbacks in the league. His presence in the locker room and on the field could be exactly what Porter needs to take the next step in his career.
"Not to mention having Darius Slay come into the fold," McFadden said. "Big Play Slay is his nickname. You don't just get that nickname, you have to earn it."
McFadden believes these moves will have a major impact. McFadden said he views Pittsburgh’s secondary as one of the top five units in the NFL heading into the 2025 season. With Slay’s leadership and Alexander’s coaching, the Steelers may finally have the defensive backfield needed to contend with the league’s best. However, some believe they may not be done adding to their secondary.
Steelers Could Improve Their Secondary With Big Trade
There has been plenty of buzz surrounding a potential trade between the Steelers and the Miami Dolphins for veteran cornerback Jalen Ramsey. Rumors suggest Pittsburgh could land the seven-time Pro Bowler at a surprisingly reasonable price, making the idea even more intriguing as the 2025 season approaches.
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Miami Dolphins' CB Jalen Ramsey celebrating running through the tunnel.
If the Steelers can get good value for Ramsey, adding him to an already talented cornerback room would be a significant boost. With the team clearly pushing all their chips in for 2025 to maximize 41-year-old quarterback Aaron Rodgers' final window for a deep playoff run, a move like this could solidify their all-in approach on both sides of the ball.
McFadden already believes Pittsburgh’s secondary is one of the top five units in the NFL. However, if the team manages to pull off a deal for Ramsey, that group could elevate from elite to downright dominant—giving the Steelers one of the most formidable defenses in the league.
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