The Steelers and Pierre agreed to a one-year contract Thursday, Teresa Varley of the team's official site reports.
Pierre spent the 2024 offseason and preseason with the Commanders but didn't make the team in advance of Week 1. He eventually landed on the Steelers' practice squad in September before joining the active roster outright by the end of that month, starting two of his 16 appearances (including playoffs). Overall, the five-year pro recorded his third campaign with at least 20 tackles (23 last season, to be precise) and added three pass defenses (including one interception) and two forced fumbles. Pierre again will serve as a depth option at cornerback and as a regular on special teams in 2025.
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Steelers' James Pierre: Holds rotational role in 2024
Rotowire
Pierre recorded 23 tackles (17 solo), three pass defenses (including an interception) and two forced fumbles over 15 regular-season games in 2024.
Pierre recorded more snaps on special teams than on defense, though he did make two starts for the Steelers. The veteran cornerback got far more defensive snaps (196) than in the season prior, when he logged just 23. Pierre is set to be a free agent, and though he's valued by the Steelers for his role as a core special-teamer, he's not certain to be back with the team next season.
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Steelers' James Pierre: Practices in full Tuesday
Rotowire
Pierre (shoulder) was a full participant in Tuesday's practice, Teresa Varley of the Steelers' official site reports.
Pierre missed Thursday's 21-18 loss to the Patriots with a shoulder injury that he had been able to play through the two previous weeks. Head coach Mike Tomlin noted after Tuesday's practice that Pierre "has an opportunity to play" in Saturday's contest against the Colts.
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Steelers' James Pierre: Injury lingers
Rotowire
Pierre's (shoulder) status is up in the air for Thursday's game against the Patriots, Alan Saunders of SteelersNow.com reports.
Pierre has been dealing with the injury since Week 12 prep but has been able to play through it. It's not clear if the 27-year-old aggravated the injury Sunday against the Cardinals or if the issue is simply lingering. Either way, Pierre's status will remain in question until closer to kickoff Thursday.
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Steelers' James Pierre: Active despite ankle issue
Rotowire
Pierre (ankle) is active Week against the Jaguars.
Pierre was added to the injury report Friday with an ankle injury, but it won't prevent him from missing his first game of the season. The fourth-year defensive back has primarily been a special teams contributor this season with the Steelers.
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Steelers' James Pierre: Lands on COVID list
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Pierre (undisclosed) was placed on the reserve/COVID-19 list Friday, Teresa Varley of the Steelers' official site reports.
Pierre's move into COVID protocols comes just two days before the Steelers takes on the Chiefs in the wild-card round of the playoffs. He can still potentially gain clearance in time and suit up Sunday, but if he can't, the move will impact the Steelers' special teams unit more than its defense, as Pierre hasn't played a defensive snap since Week 12 against the Bengals.
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Steelers' James Pierre: Primed for every-down role
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Pierre is expected to handle an every-down role at cornerback in Sunday's game against the Chargers with Joe Haden (foot) sidelined, Chris Adamski of TribLive.com reports.
Haden made an early exit last week in the Steelers' 16-16 tie with the Lions, allowing Pierre to take on his largest snap share (74 percent) since Week 5. Pierre tied his season-high total with seven tackles, and he should continue to have ample play-making opportunities Week 11 with both Haden and star safety Minkah Fitzpatrick (reserve/COVID-19 list) out of the picture.
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Steelers' James Pierre: Records interception in win
Rotowire
Pierre totaled six solo tackles, an interception and two pass defenses in Sunday's 27-19 win over the Broncos.
Pierre took on a starting role against Denver with Cameron Sutton (groin) sidelined, and the 25-year-old recorded his first interception while playing 98 percent of the team's defensive snaps. The second-year pro has tallied 22 tackles (20 solo), an interception and four pass defenses across the first five weeks of the season but should see less playing time once Sutton is ready to return.
