The Pittsburgh Steelers have a few key positions to address in free agency, particularly at cornerback, which is especially true if Asante Samuel Jr. and James Pierre sign with a new team in March.
Heading into uncharted waters, there are several defensive players the Steelers could target in free agency — such as Jamel Dean of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
Stats
- 2019 (13 games): 2 interceptions, 17 passes defended, 21 combined tackles
- 2020 (14 games): 1 interception, 7 passes defended, 62 combined tackles
- 2021 (15 games): 2 interceptions, 9 passes defended, 53 combined tackles
- 2022 (15 games): 2 interceptions, 8 passes defended, 57 combined tackles
- 2023 (13 games): 0 interceptions, 4 passes defended, 61 combined tackles
- 2024 (12 games): 1 interception, 7 passes defended, 59 combined tackles
- 2025 (14 games): 3 interceptions, 9 passes defended, 46 combined tackles
Fit with Steelers defense
Dean possesses a rare blend of 6'1" size and 4.3 speed at the cornerback position — another physical option that would be perfect for Pittsburgh's brand of defense.
He would be a massive acquisition opposite Joey Porter Jr., as currently the Steelers have just Jalen Ramsey, who's slotted to return to free safety in 2026, Brandin Echols, and 2025 seventh-rounder Donte Kent at cornerback.
Contract prediction
To persuade Dean to join the Steel City, Pittsburgh would need to go beyond Spoctrac's projected average annual value of $12.4 million, offering him a three-year, $42 million deal.
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This article originally appeared on Steelers Wire: Steelers 2026 free agency scouting report: Buccaneers CB Jamel Dean