As the Pittsburgh Steelers approach the 2025 NFL offseason, bolstering the cornerback position emerges as a key priority. With veterans Donte Jackson and Cameron Sutton set to enter free agency, the team’s depth behind standout Joey Porter Jr. is limited, relying primarily on promising talents like Beanie Bishop Jr. and Cory Trice Jr. To address this, the Steelers are expected to explore options in both free agency and the draft.
One notable free agent is D.J. Reed, formerly of the New York Jets. Pro Football Focus ranks Reed as the top cornerback available, highlighting his consistent performance over six seasons with overall grades above 70.0. In 2024, Reed achieved a 51.28% lockdown rate, underscoring his effectiveness in coverage. His experience and skill set could complement Porter Jr., potentially solidifying the Steelers’ secondary. citeturn0search1
However, acquiring Reed would require a significant financial commitment. Steelers beat reporter Mark Kaboly predicts a potential contract for Reed at three years, $43.5 million. Given the team’s existing investments in their defense, the front office must carefully consider the allocation of resources.
Alternatively, retaining Donte Jackson remains an option. Acquired in a trade with the Carolina Panthers, Jackson delivered a strong performance in 2024, recording a career-high five interceptions. Expressing his desire to continue with the Steelers, Jackson stated, “I hope I’m back… We love it, but business is business.” citeturn0search0
The Steelers’ decision-making will involve evaluating the potential impact of signing a high-profile free agent like Reed against the benefits of re-signing a familiar and productive player in Jackson. Additionally, the team may explore other free agent cornerbacks or consider selecting a promising prospect in the upcoming draft to strengthen their defensive backfield.
In summary, the Steelers face critical choices in addressing their cornerback needs this offseason. Balancing financial considerations with on-field performance will be essential as they aim to enhance their defense for the 2025 season.
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