The Pittsburgh Steelers have been making moves ever since the league's legal tampering window opened on Monday. The organization has already acquired Michael Pittman Jr. via a trade with the Indianapolis Colts. The two sides also agreed to an extension, and now the organization has added to the defensive side of the ball by agreeing to terms with cornerback Jamel Dean.
Matt Freed / Pittsburgh Post-Gazette
Steelers' new head coach, Mike McCarthy smiles as he addresses the media during his introductory press conference that took place at Acrisure Stadium in Pittsburgh, PA.
Joey Porter Jr. proved to be one of the best cornerbacks in the NFL during the 2025 season, and he is expected to sign a lucrative extension during the 2026 offseason. Pittsburgh signed his running mate by bringing in Dean, as the two sides reportedly agreed to a three-year deal.
The #Steelers have agreed to a deal with CB Jamel Dean. He gets a 3-year deal worth $36.75M, per me and @TomPelissero.
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) March 9, 2026
Deal done by @Erik Burkhardt of @RocNationSports
Dean has been in the league since 2019 when he was a third-round pick by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. He has been underrated throughout his entire career, and he was a key piece on the defense that helped Tampa Bay win Super Bowl LV. He was a bit beat up in 2025, but he should be a great player for the Steelers if he can remain healthy.
Nathan Ray Seebeck / Imagn Images
Steelers' Jamel Dean during his time with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
Dean has been a consistent starter in Tampa Bay since the 2020 season, and he has recorded 11 interceptions throughout his career. In 2025, he played and started in 14 games, and he recorded three interceptions, a sack, and scored a touchdown. He is certainly an older player at cornerback as he will be 30 years old when the 2026 season begins, but he should be a major upgrade for Pittsburgh's secondary.
The Steelers also agreed to a new deal with cornerback Asante Samuel Jr., and he will be with the team through the 2026 season. It will be interesting if he and Dean compete with one another for a starting job on the outside, or if one of them could bump inside to the slot. Brandin Echols played well in that spot in 2025, and Jalen Ramsey is another player to consider.
Jordan Schofield / SteelerNation (X: @JSKO_PHOTO)
Steelers defensive back Jalen Ramsey (5) during 2025 training camp in Latrobe, PA.
Steelers' Role For Jalen Ramsey Seems To Be Identified
Ramsey played some cornerback and safety for Pittsburgh during the 2025 season, but it seems like he could be moving to safety permanently now. Porter, Dean, and arguably Samuel should all be a head of him in the cornerback room, while Ramsey is still a valuable player at safety. It will be interesting to see how the defensive backfield is operated during the 2026 season, but it should include a lot more of Ramsey at safety. The fan base should have some more optimism about this group than the group that went into the 2025 season.
What do you think about the Steelers agreeing to terms with Dean? Let me know on X, @brogannoey!
#SteelerNation