Report Suggests Steelers Are Planning On Re-Signing Two Key Defenders

The Pittsburgh Steelers have several key decisions they will need to make before the 2026 season. For Pittsburgh fans, there is plenty of uncertainty as Mike McCarthy is now at the helm. McCarthy has already built out his coaching staff and named Patrick Graham as his defensive coordinator, a move that has generated excitement throughout Steeler Nation. Still, fans will want to see how the defense performs over the course of a full season before offering any real judgment on the hire.

That patience is understandable, especially with so many critical roster decisions looming. While Graham’s defensive vision is expected to bring new energy and flexibility, its long-term success will depend on personnel choices as much as scheme. 

Evaluations during the offseason will carry significant weight, and the front office will be watching closely as players either solidify their roles or leave questions unanswered. One area already drawing attention is the cornerback position. Steelers insider Gerry Dulac revealed on Thursday that, based on what he knows, both James Pierre and Asante Samuel Jr. are expected to receive new contracts to remain in Pittsburgh. 

"I think they [James Pierre and Asante Samuel Jr.] will," Dulac said.

The two took very different paths in 2025, with Samuel proving he could stay healthy and still perform at a high level, while Pierre reshaped his reputation from a perceived liability into a reliable corner who can hold his own. If Dulac’s insight proves accurate, the Steelers may already have clarity at one important position as they look toward 2026.

Steelers fans will likely be comfortable with the idea of bringing both Pierre and Samuel back. The team has already seen Samuel prove he can stay healthy and perform at a high level, while Pierre has demonstrated steady growth and reliability in the secondary. 

Both offer complementary skill sets that give Pittsburgh flexibility in coverage and allow Graham’s scheme to be executed more effectively. While neither player is considered a superstar, their contributions have been tangible, and both can be counted on to start and produce at a consistent level.

Steelers Can Now Keep 2 Productive, Experienced Corners Without Spending Too Much

Meanwhile, Joey Porter Jr. has emerged as a true top-tier talent in his own right, and he is likely going to command a significant payday when his next contract comes due. The Steelers have no intention of letting Porter leave, but keeping him in town will come at a price. This makes the potential retention of Pierre and Samuel even more important, as the team can secure two productive, experienced corners without needing to spend heavily. 

Pierre, now 29, brings veteran savvy, while 26-year-old Samuel offers youth and upside, making the combination a smart balance between experience and potential. Depending on how the market values Samuel after his showing in the 2025 season, his deal may be slightly higher than Pierre’s, but either way both contracts are likely to represent strong value relative to their on-field contributions.

If the Steelers had to choose between the two, Samuel would arguably be the more fruitful long-term choice given his age and projected trajectory. However, if the front office is able to retain both, it significantly bolsters the depth and reliability of the cornerback room. Having two trusted corners alongside Porter Jr. gives Pittsburgh the flexibility to rotate players, disguise coverages, and avoid overextending any single player. 

For fans, this would mean a secondary that is not only talented but also deep and resilient, which is a key factor for success in a division that features some of the league’s most dynamic passing attacks.

Please feel free to share your Steelers takes and thoughts with me on X (@anthonyghalkias) and consider following for more Steelers-related content and discussion. I read and respond. 

#SteelerNation