Steelers May Have Found A Hidden Gem In The Secondary: "Stood Out During Offseason Workouts"

The Pittsburgh Steelers have had quite the offseason. Of course, nothing is more newsworthy than the stunning revelation that Aaron Rodgers will be the Steelers' starting quarterback for the 2025 season. While Rodgers’ arrival has dominated headlines, the Steelers know that success will also depend heavily on improvement from the defense, especially in the secondary.

The secondary simply has to be better down the stretch in 2025. During the 2024 season, the defense was exposed far too often in situations where it should have held firm. To address that, Pittsburgh added veteran cornerback Darius Slay to line up opposite Joey Porter Jr. The move gives the Steelers a proven presence in the defensive backfield and a much-needed boost in experience and playmaking ability.

But there’s one name Steelers fans might not know who is quietly gaining traction. According to Mike DeFabo of The Athletic, 26-year-old defensive back D’Shawn Jamison has caught the attention of the coaching staff and could be a factor in the 2025 rotation. DeFabo believes Jamison has a real chance to earn opportunities, and with competition wide open behind the starters, he may be the team’s hidden gem in the secondary.

"A relatively unknown player has the chance to surprise in training camp," DeFabo wrote. "The 5-foot-9, 186-pound defensive back’s fluid and athletic movements stood out during offseason workouts. He’s a dark horse candidate to find a role on special teams and as a reserve in the nickel."

Jamison’s path to Pittsburgh has been anything but conventional. After going undrafted in the 2023 NFL Draft, he signed with the San Francisco 49ers as a free agent but was waived just four months later. He soon landed with the Carolina Panthers, where injuries in the secondary gave him an unexpected opportunity to see the field during the regular season. Jamison made the most of that limited action, recording 10 tackles and one pass defended while starting in one game.

One of the more impressive highlights from his time in Carolina came during a 99-yard interception return by one of his teammates. On the play, Jamison was reportedly clocked at an eye-popping 22 miles per hour while sprinting down the field, showcasing the kind of elite speed that makes him a potential asset on special teams. Though his role was limited, moments like that caught the attention of evaluators looking for developmental upside.

Following his stint with the Panthers, Jamison signed with the Steelers' practice squad in September of 2024. He later earned a reserve/futures contract in January of 2025, giving him a full offseason to work with the team. Now, as he fights for a spot on the 53-man roster, Jamison has started to make a name for himself. 

According to DeFabo, Jamison stood out during offseason workouts and is firmly in the mix to earn a role as a rotational player on special teams and possibly even at nickelback. While nothing is guaranteed, he is quickly becoming a name worth watching in Pittsburgh.

Steelers Must Have Better Depth In Secondary

The Steelers’ secondary has dealt with its fair share of injuries in recent years, making depth not just important, but essential. Pittsburgh has clearly recognized that reality, and while not every backup or rotational piece is a household name, the team has quietly assembled a group of players who bring serious upside and versatility.

Players like Jamison may not generate headlines, but they represent exactly the kind of under-the-radar talent the Steelers are hoping can emerge in 2025. Jamison’s speed, toughness, and ability to contribute on special teams give him a legitimate shot to stick, and he’s just one of several players competing to provide quality depth in the defensive backfield.

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