There’s been a hint of discussion, at least over the internet, about the Pittsburgh Steelers trading away one of their cornerbacks. It’s one part offseason boredom, one part Pittsburgh’s great depth, and one part happenings around the league. Like the Detroit Lions releasing former first-round pick Terrion Arnold after his felony charges.
On paper, the idea has merit. Pittsburgh has plenty of cornerback depth where they could flip a player for 2027 capital. But Omar Khan should be careful about making such a deal. His own words prove why.
After April’s free agency, reporters asked Khan why the team loaded up its secondary. The Steelers signed cornerback Jamel Dean, brought in safety Jaquan Brisker, re-signed Asante Samuel Jr., and agreed to a deal with Darnell Savage even if ink wouldn’t meet paper for months. Later that month, the Steelers drafted Georgia corner Daylen Everette with a Top-100 pick.
Khan explained his rationale.
“You can’t have enough good players regardless of position, but believe it or not, the DBs are one of the most injured positions year after year”, Khan said at the time. “We hope none of our guys ever get hurt, but the reality is it’s a position where injuries happen.”
Assuming that data is true and defensive backs get injured more than any other position, it’s reason for Khan to hold onto his depth. Injuries can pile up quickly, and there’s reason to think it could happen to Pittsburgh this season.
Dean was a solid signing but comes with plenty of bumps and bruises. In his seven NFL seasons, he hasn’t yet played an entire season. Over the past three combined seasons, he has missed 12 games. During a Friday appearance on 93.7 The Fan, Mark Kaboly noted Dean hardly even practiced during OTAs coming off his 2025 ailments. Turning 30 in October, that trend likely won’t reverse, meaning someone will fill in for him for a couple weeks.
Joey Porter Jr. missed three weeks early last year after injuring his knee in the season opener. Jalen Ramsey is floating between safety and corner and will shift closer to full-time safety if Jaquan Brisker or DeShon Elliott get hurt. Brisker has a concussion history, and multiple injuries limited Elliott to five games last year.
Pittsburgh’s 2025 secondary ended far different than expected. Ramsey moved to safety. The team cut Darius Slay and Juan Thornhill. Safeties Jabrill Peppers and Kyle Dugger joined during the season. The point is that several changes can happen, so preserving depth is smart.
It’s not worth dealing Asante Samuel Jr. or Brandin Echols for a 2027 Day Three pick, which is all they’d command. Pittsburgh is better off protecting themselves by being deep and talented at a critical position that injuries can quickly deplete.