The Pittsburgh Steelers entered the 2025 season expecting the secondary to be one of their greatest strengths. Unfortunately, it’s been one of their biggest weaknesses instead. Darius Slay and Jalen Ramsey haven’t had the impact that many expected them to, and Joey Porter Jr. has battled injuries. Because of that, former NFL defensive lineman Leger Douzable believes that the Steelers should target Kansas City Chiefs corner Kristian Fulton in a trade.
“Kristian Fulton,” Douzable said recently on CBS Sports HQ. “We talked about how the secondary is old in Pittsburgh. I know he just signed there this offseason, but you’ll be able to get off that contract if you’re the Kansas City Chiefs. They have leaned towards their younger guys. He was actually a healthy scratch last week because Nohl Williams has played well.
“If he’s finally healthy now, he could definitely help that secondary because they have so much age on that secondary. He’s only 27 years old. Besides Joey Porter [Jr.], he’d probably be the youngest guy in that secondary room. They’ve struggled mightily with their pass defense. I think Kristian Fulton would be highly motivated if he is traded to the Pittsburgh Steelers. I think it makes a lot of sense.”
Fulton has been in the NFL since 2020, originally a second-round pick by the Tennessee Titans. He was with the Titans through the 2023 season, and since then, he’s bounced around the league a little more. Last year, Fulton was with the Los Angeles Chargers, and this year, he signed a two-year, $20 million deal with the Chiefs.
While Fulton hasn’t been one of the best corners in the league during his career, he’s been a consistent starter. He started at least 11 games each year from 2021-24. Also, Fulton has five interceptions and 32 pass defenses in his career, showing that he can get his hands on the ball.
However, 2025 hasn’t been Fulton’s best year. He suffered an ankle injury in Week 2 that kept him out of action. That isn’t the only reason Fulton hasn’t played, though. Like Douzable said, Fulton has been a healthy scratch more recently.
Fulton is still relatively young at 27 years old, but he’s battled injuries throughout his career. Now, with the Chiefs keeping him sidelined despite his health improving, perhaps Fulton’s level of play has slipped too much to continue being a starter.
Still, he could be a player the Steelers consider kicking the tires on, depending on the price. Fulton shouldn’t cost that much to acquire. If the Steelers can get him for a late Day 3 pick, then it might be worth considering that deal.
However, Fulton probably wouldn’t solve all of the Steelers’ woes in the secondary. Yes, he’d give them a little more youth, and if he can bounce back once healthy, then he could be a good investment. Will a player that can’t even get on the field with his current team turn the Steelers’ secondary around in the middle of the season? That’s very unlikely. Hopefully, that group gets improved in some way.
Recommended for you