James Pierre, known as an underrated free agent, has quietly developed into a valuable cornerback for the Pittsburgh Steelers, especially during the 2025 season. While much attention was given to Joey Porter Jr. as the Steelers’ top cornerback, Pierre also made the most of his playing time, proving he can contribute significantly in the secondary.
Football analyst Nate Tice recently highlighted Pierre as a player who might not get enough credit but could prove useful to teams looking for depth or a potential starter.
My last little under-the-radar guy is James Pierre,
Tice said Thursday on his Football 301 podcast.
He played opposite of JPJ in Pittsburgh and actually was really good. I wouldn’t say really good, but good. He’s older, but he’s a guy that maybe could surprise some people, maybe get signed and be something, be a stopgap starter for somebody.
Career Path and Recent Performance
Pierre entered the NFL as an undrafted free agent with the Steelers in 2020, initially seeing limited action mostly on special teams and starting only six games across four seasons. After signing with the Washington Commanders in 2024, he was released before the regular season and returned to Pittsburgh. His early days back with the Steelers mirrored previous patterns, but the 2025 season marked a turning point.
The Steelers’ cornerback situation was unstable last season. Veteran Darius Slay struggled and was eventually waived mid-season, while Jalen Ramsey shifted to safety, allowing Pierre to gain increased playing time. Pierre seized this opportunity and delivered the best football of his career.
In 14 games with five starts, Pierre recorded one interception and 11 passes defensed, showing he could hold his own as a starting cornerback alongside Porter. Although injuries affected his availability at times, his performance indicated he was deserving of a more consistent role.
Future Prospects and Team Interest
The Steelers have expressed interest in retaining Pierre, engaging in talks to bring him back. The precise value he will command on the market remains uncertain, but with a thin cornerback room, re-signing Pierre appears to be a sensible move. Even if he does not fully replicate last season’s level, his presence would add needed depth to the Steelers’ defense.
There is potential for Pierre to begin the 2026 season as a starter or at least serve as a reliable option in the secondary, which could prove crucial for the Steelers’ backfield stability moving forward.
