James

Pierre

It was recently reported by Senior NFL insider Josina Anderson that Pierre had “eight to nine teams” interested in his services. Now, the 29-year-old corner lands with the Vikings, reuniting with defensive coordinator Brian Flores, who he worked with in Pittsburgh. Pierre appeared in 10 games for the Steelers last season, earning a PFF coverage grade of 89.7 while allowing just 14 receptions for 142 yards and one touchdown on 33 targets. Pierre plays almost exclusively on the outside and will bolster a Vikings pass defense that was among the league’s best last season.

The six-year veteran has made only 13 professional starts with the Steelers but is expected to draw significant interest in the free agent market if not signed by Monday, Senior NFL Insider Josina Anderson reports. This comes on the heels of the expectation that numerous teams will be looking to the free agent pool for help at cornerback in the coming cycle, a notion that could spark rapid fire signings in the secondary. Pierre was a mainstay on special teams in Pittsburgh and contributed 614 defensive snaps the previous two seasons.

Pierre was seeing an extended run on the outside with Darius Slay a healthy inactive. With him in the locker room, that has led to more snaps for newly signed Asante Samuel Jr.

Aside from a short offseason stint with the Commanders last offseason, Pierre has spent his entire career with the Steelers. The sixth-year vet appeared in 15 games for them last season, making two starts and picking off one pass. Pierre can provide depth to Pittsburgh’s cornerback room but is likely best suited as a special teamer.

Pierre’s signing shouldn’t be viewed as anything more than a depth signing for now. The four-year corner has appeared in 66 games for his career but has made only six starts. Per PFF, Pierre has played 260 defensive snaps or less in three of his four seasons.

Porter was added to the injury report on Thursday, but still got in a limited session in each of the team’s last two practice. The rookie corner has been a near lock down player for the Steelers this season, allowing just one reception for 12 yards on 10 targets while forcing one interception. In addition to Porter, the Steelers also listed cornerbacks Levi Wallace (foot) and James Pierre (ankle) as questionable, with Pierre being a Friday addition to the injury report.

A 2020 UDFA, Pierre was a free agent for the first time. He’s put up fairly solid numbers in his first three seasons as a part-time role, but will likely remain depth behind Patrick Peterson, Ahkello Witherspoon, and Levi Wallace.