Veteran Pittsburgh Steelers cornerback James Pierre is signing a two-year deal with the Minnesota Vikings worth $8.5 million, per reporter Cameron Wolfe. Coming off a career season, Pierre exits Pittsburgh and cashes in.
Vikings have agreed to terms with CB James Pierre on a two-year, $8.5 million deal with $3.7 million guaranteed, per his agent Toney Scott. Pierre gets a $2.5 million signing bonus. pic.twitter.com/VcZnVJTxH2
— Cameron Wolfe (@CameronWolfe) March 9, 2026
Earlier today, the Steelers re-signed CB Asante Samuel Jr., virtually cementing Pierre’s exit.
Despite GM Omar Khan going on record at the Combine to state his desire to bring Pierre back, Pierre leaves after a strong 2025 season. A career special teamer, Pierre began 2025 in the same role. Playing time opened up thanks to Darius Slay’s nagging injuries and on-field struggles that led to his eventual release. Appearing in 14 games with five starts, Pierre recorded 30 tackles with 11 pass deflections and one interception. Only CB Joey Porter Jr. had more Steelers breakups than Pierre.
He also returned a fumble for a touchdown to help cement a revenge win over the Cincinnati Bengals.
Pierre’s interception came against the Baltimore Ravens, picking off cousin and QB Lamar Jackson in a Week 14 win. A calf injury caused Pierre to miss the next three games but he returned for the regular season finale.
A former undrafted free agent who made the team during the COVID year in which offseason workouts and preseason were lost, Pierre’s physical talent and ability has never been in question. Finding consistency and trust in him above-the-neck were his pain points, but the light came on in 2025.
At times, he played like Pittsburgh’s best cornerback. He parlays that into a new contract with Minnesota. It marks the second time Pierre has signed elsewhere. He spent the 2024 offseason and preseason with the Washington Commanders. Released by the team during cutdowns, the Steelers brought him back for special teams help.
For his career, Pierre’s appeared in 95 games with 13 starts. He’s notched 147 tackles with 22 pass breakups and four interceptions. He’ll look to bolster a Vikings secondary and pass defense.
Even with Samuel brought back, the Steelers could add another outside free agent, or use an early draft pick on the position. If first round is the target, Tennessee’s Colton Hood, South Carolina’s Brandon Cisse, and Clemson’s Avieon Terrell are possibilities.
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