Steelers Have 3 Under-The-Radar Defensive Free Agent Options That Suddenly Make A Ton Of Sense

With free agency looming and the 2026 NFL Draft quickly approaching, the Pittsburgh Steelers have several roster areas to address. While much of the focus centers on improving the offense, the defense also features notable question marks that must be resolved in the coming months. Cornerback stands out as one of the top priorities. Pittsburgh appears confident in Joey Porter Jr. as a potential long-term shutdown option, but the spot opposite him remains unsettled. To solidify the secondary, the Steelers could explore several underrated free agents who may provide stability, competition, and much-needed depth heading into 2026.

ESPN insiders Jeremy Fowler and Dan Graziano recently highlighted several starting-caliber players across the NFL who are expected to test free agency. With roster movement expected around the league, their list featured a number of intriguing options for teams looking to upgrade key positions. 

For the Steelers, in particular, three of those names stand out as potential fits: Montaric Brown of the Jacksonville Jaguars, Eric Stokes of the Las Vegas Raiders, and Jaguars safety Andrew Wingard. Brown could be one of the more appealing value options on the market. 

"[Brown] is well-positioned in the CB market after the top players are signed," the two insiders wrote.

That suggests he may not command the massive contract that some premier corners will receive, but he could still offer starting-level production. For a Steelers team that may not want to overspend, but still has a need for a dependable option opposite Porter. Brown fits the mold as a younger player with upside and room to grow in a new system.

Stokes is another corner who could generate quiet but meaningful interest. Fowler and Graziano noted that teams liked his tape from 2025 when he was finally healthy. Injuries have slowed Stokes early in his career, but when available, he has flashed the athleticism and coverage ability that once made him a highly-regarded prospect. If Pittsburgh believes its coaching staff can help him stay on the field and regain consistency, he could be a high-upside addition at a reasonable price.

Wingard brings a slightly different element as a safety. He capitalized on a starter role in Jacksonville, and Fowler and Graziano wrote that he has early interest around the league, adding that while it may not be overwhelming, he is expected to land a starting job somewhere. For the Steelers, adding a versatile, experienced defensive back like Wingard could provide depth and flexibility, particularly if they look to solidify multiple spots in the secondary this offseason.

What makes this situation interesting for Pittsburgh is that they don’t necessarily need another superstar in the secondary, they just need reliability. Porter can travel with opposing number one receivers, but the NFL is too pass-heavy to survive with only one dependable corner. Teams will find and attack the weak link. That’s what the Steelers have to avoid heading into 2026. Adding someone like Brown or Stokes wouldn’t make national headlines, but it could quietly fix a real issue.

Wingard’s potential addition would also give the defense some flexibility. Injuries happen every year, and the Steelers know that better than most teams. Having a safety who can step in and start if needed or rotate in different packages gives the coaching staff options. 

The Steelers received encouraging production at cornerback beyond Porter. during the 2025 season. James Pierre flashed what looked like a breakout campaign before injuries slowed his momentum, while Asante Samuel Jr. proved to be a reliable midseason addition who stabilized the unit down the stretch. 

Still, questions remain as both are set to become free agents and could hit free agency this offseason. With that uncertainty surrounding the secondary, Pittsburgh would be wise to explore adding at least one, if not multiple players to strengthen competition and solidify the defense heading into 2026.

Steelers Need Depth Even If Pierre And Samuel Re-Sign

Even if Pierre and Samuel both re-sign and return to Pittsburgh, the Steelers shouldn’t consider the secondary completely set. Adding someone like Brown or Stokes would create legitimate competition in training camp and push the entire cornerback room to raise its level of play. Over a 17-game season, depth always gets tested, and what looks like a luxury in March can become a necessity by October.

The same goes for Wingard at safety. Bringing him in would not only strengthen the back end but also provide flexibility in sub-packages and injury insurance. Competition across the board would only make the defense stronger.

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