Steelers sign cornerback James Pierre to a one-year deal

Pittsburgh Steelers continue their free agency moves, sometimes with them being announced by NFL insiders and others announced by the team. This time, the Steelers themselves break the news that cornerback James Pierre is returning to the Steelers in 2025 on a one-year deal.

We have signed CB James Pierre to a one-year contract. @BordasLaw

📝: https://t.co/HdE3DKlO5v pic.twitter.com/1d9xBs1wft

— Pittsburgh Steelers (@steelers) March 20, 2025

An undrafted free agent in 2020 out of Florida Atlantic, Pierre managed to make the Steelers roster despite there being no preseason games. After four seasons in Pittsburgh from 2020 through 2023, Pierre departed for the Washington Commanders for 2024. But after not making the 53-man roster, the Steelers added Pierre to the practice squad in mid September of 2024 where he was elevated for one game before being signed to the active roster the next week.

In five years in Pittsburgh, Pierre appeared in 81 games with eight starts. He has 117 career tackles with five forced fumbles, a fumble recovery, three interceptions, and 11 passes defensed. Last season alone Pierre had two forced fumbles, three passes defensed, and an interception playing only 206 defensive snaps.

In his career in Pittsburgh, Pierre has more specialty snaps (1191) than defensive snaps (933). Last season Pierre did an exceptional job as a gunner on the punt team, despite dropping an easy reception on a fake punt in Week 10.

With Pierre rejoining the Steelers this season, the Steelers cornerback room from last year now has just as many players. The Steelers did not re-sign cornerbacks Donte Jackson and Cam Sutton but have added Darius Slay and Brandin Echols in free agency.

Be sure to stay tuned to SCN for the latest news and notes surrounding the Steelers as they prepare for the rest of free agency, and the upcoming 2025 NFL Draft.