PITTSBURGH -- The Pittsburgh Steelers have plugged a critical hole in their secondary, signing five-time Pro Bowl cornerback Stephon Gilmore to a one-year, $8 million deal, sources confirmed to ESPN on May 1, 2025. The move addresses a glaring oversight from their 2025 NFL Draft, where they failed to prioritize the cornerback position.
The Steelers’ draft focused on fortifying their front seven with picks like Derrick Harmon and Jack Sawyer, while adding offensive firepower in running back Kaleb Johnson. However, their lone secondary addition, seventh-rounder Donte Kent, left the unit thin behind Joey Porter Jr. and aging veteran Darius Slay.
Gilmore, 34, is a game-changer. The 2019 Defensive Player of the Year recorded 3 interceptions and 14 pass deflections for the Dallas Cowboys in 2024, with a 74.2 PFF grade. His lockdown ability in man and zone coverages makes him a perfect fit for Teryl Austin’s aggressive scheme.
The signing is a coup for GM Omar Khan, who capitalized on Gilmore’s availability after his Cowboys contract expired. With $45 million in cap space, Pittsburgh secured a low-risk, high-reward deal, preserving flexibility for future extensions like T.J. Watt’s.
Gilmore’s arrival bolsters a secondary that struggled in 2024, ranking 19th in pass defense (223.4 yards per game). Paired with Porter, he forms a formidable duo capable of neutralizing AFC North stars like Ja’Marr Chase. His playoff experience, including a Super Bowl LIII standout performance, adds veteran poise.
The move also amplifies Pittsburgh’s recent defensive haul, headlined by ex-Lions edge rusher Za’Darius Smith. With Watt, Smith, and now Gilmore, the Steelers’ defense could vault into the NFL’s elite, challenging pass-heavy offenses like Kansas City’s.
As Pittsburgh eyes a deep playoff run, Gilmore’s signing sends a message: the Steelers are all-in. With training camp looming, all eyes will be on how this star-studded defense gels, potentially reshaping the AFC landscape.
