Steelers Could Make A Worthy Investment In A Cornerback With Plenty Of AFC North Experience

The Pittsburgh Steelers enter the 2026 offseason searching for ways to improve their defense. The unit was the highest-paid in the NFL last season, but it left a lot to be desired. The team ranked middle of the pack or lower in most statistical categories, like 17th in points per game (22.8), and 26th in yards allowed per game (356.9). Pittsburgh's defense relied heavily on turnovers to win contests, being in the top five in the category (27 takeaways). The Steelers will look to the 2026 NFL Draft and free agency to bolster a defense that saw its fair share of struggles last season.

The Steelers will certainly look into free agency to address their depth issues in their secondary. Their defensive backs may undergo a potential change, as two of their cornerbacks from last season will hit free agency. Big impact players like James Pierre and Asante Samuel Jr. will test the market and could be lost. Pierre had a breakout year where he solidified himself not only as a big piece of the Steelers' defense, but as one of the better corners in the game. His sample size was on the smaller side, but he proved that he has a role in this league. If he were to go elsewhere, the Steelers would need a productive corner to replace him.

The same goes for Samuel. He was signed by Pittsburgh in the middle of the season as soon as he was medically cleared to play. Samuel made a couple of big plays throughout his time in the Steel City and could have a market in free agency. Should the Steelers not be able to get either of these players back, it would present a huge issue in the secondary. The Steelers would be left with just Brandin Echols and their star outside corner, Joey Porter Jr., as experienced corners on their roster -- assuming Jalen Ramsey remains at safety.

Steelers beat writer Ray Fittipaldo shared his take on the team signing free agent corner, and former Cleveland Browns DB, Greg Newsome II. 

"Signing someone like Greg Newsome, a former first-round pick of the Cleveland Browns, who was traded to Jacksonville midway through last season, would make sense. An added bonus for Newsome: He can play outside and in the slot. The versatility would give the Steelers some flexibility in which corners they’ll target in the draft," wrote Fittipaldo.

The Steelers could use Newsome's versatility to their advantage, especially when it comes to the draft. The Steelers have been projected by many mock draft analysts to pick a defensive back in the top 100. Newsome would allow them to go after either a slot or outside corner, as Newsome is effective from both spots. He played over 1,000 snaps in the slot and over 2,000 on the outside.

Newsome is a former first-round pick by the Cleveland Browns out of Northwestern. He was traded midseason in 2025 to the Jacksonville Jaguars as his contract was set to expire after the season was over. The 25-year-old corner has been effective throughout his career, using his length and speed to his advantage. Newsome was a huge part of Cleveland's defense since being drafted and could be a valuable addition to the Steelers' defense. Their star Porter Jr. needs another quality running mate to ease the pressure on him. 

The Steelers Need To Add A Cornerback For Porter's Benefit

Porter Jr. is heading into the final year of his rookie contract and is expected to get a nice payday this offseason. The Steelers have to extend him if they want their defense to remain at the caliber that it's known for: elite. Bringing in another quality corner would make it a lot easier on Porter Jr., who broke out last season. 

Another corner coming in could entice Porter Jr. in contract talks. If the Steelers can build an elite secondary around him, it may be a tactic to keep him in Pittsburgh. Either way, the Steelers' secondary could use an upgrade, and a player like Newsome II is a great way to do that. 

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