Pittsburgh Secondary Ranks Top 5 in NFL Claims Steelers Ex DB

The Pittsburgh Steelers take a lot of pride in their defense, but their secondary did not perform like they would have hoped, allowing the eighth-most passing yards in the league this past season.

As a result, the team improved that unit, adding veteran cornerback Darius Slay in free agency. Now, some are making predictions that Pittsburgh could have one of the best secondaries in the league, including former Steelers cornerback Bryant McFadden.

"I have Pittsburgh, the Steelers, in my top-five secondaries for this upcoming year because when you look at the combination of experience, of playmaking ability, not to mention a youthful movement as well," McFadden said on CBS Sports. "Starting with Joey Porter Jr., he's considered one of the best man-to-man corners, especially press-man corners in the game. He's really excelled from where he was his rookie year."

The team still obviously has Porter, as well as five-time Pro Bowler Minkah Fitzpatrick at safety. But past Porter, the team's cornerback depth wasn't amazing last season.

Now they have added Slay, who brings a massive veteran presence to a Steelers cornerback room that could definitely use it. This past season he had 49 total tackles and 13 pass deflections while appearing in just 14 games due to a series of injuries.

We're of the thought that Porter plus Slay might be enough to kill the rumors of a Jalen Ramsey trade with Miami.

And clearly, to McFadden?

The Steelers have made the playoffs four of the last five seasons, so the team's improved secondary should be looking to help the team continue the trend and make it to the postseason in 2025.