Pittsburgh, PA – June 7, 2025
The Pittsburgh Steelers have made bold moves this offseason, including signing Aaron Rodgers and trading for Christian McCaffrey and D.K. Metcalf. However, one area still needing a boost is the defensive secondary, where the team ranked 19th in passing yards allowed per game in 2024, per NFL.com.
With Darius Slay and Minkah Fitzpatrick anchoring the backfield, the Steelers’ cornerback depth remains thin, relying on Brandin Echols and rookie Donte Kent. To address this, Pittsburgh should act fast to sign free-agent cornerback Jaire Alexander, recently released by the Green Bay Packers, before another team snags him.
Alexander, a two-time Second-Team All-Pro, boasts 12 career interceptions across 76 games, per Pro Football Reference. Despite playing only 14 games over the last two seasons due to injuries, the 28-year-old’s elite coverage skills make him a low-risk, high-reward option on a short-term, budget-friendly deal. “It’s a no-brainer for the Steelers,” analyst Jarrett Bailey wrote. “Alexander could be a steal or a bust like Tre’Davious White, but the upside’s worth it.”
Steeler Nation is buzzing on X: “Jaire with Slay and Minkah? Our secondary would be lockdown!” one fan tweeted. Others cautioned, “Injuries scare me—hope Khan doesn’t overpay.” Alexander’s 2023 PFF grade of 78.4 shows he can still ball, but syncing with DC Teryl Austin’s scheme is key.
Pittsburgh’s $31.88 million cap space, per Spotrac, allows for a deal to pair Alexander with Slay, potentially elevating the defense to rival Baltimore’s. With an 8-year playoff win drought looming, signing Alexander could be the final piece for a 2025 Super Bowl run. The clock’s ticking—will Omar Khan make the move?
