Mike Tomlin thought the Pittsburgh Steelers’ defense had a chance to be historic last year. Unfortunately, it didn’t come close to meeting that expectation. It finished the year ranked 26th in the league, despite all its talent. The Steelers’ defense had a lot of issues, especially at cornerback. However, the team agreed to terms with free-agent corner Jamel Dean to fix that problem. That addition has Mina Kimes excited about the Steelers’ defensive potential in 2026.
“I did love the Jamel Dean signing for them,” Kimes said Wednesday on her podcast. “Three years, $37 million, I was shocked by how low that came in. I guess it’s a reflection of the injury history and his age because he was so good last season. He’s good at playing man, he’s good at playing zone…
“I don’t really know what Patrick Graham is gonna run. I’m very excited and curious to see, though, because this has been a very predictable defense for the last few years. And I think Graham has the pieces to do some creative stuff with [Jalen] Ramsey playing the nickel or safety. I’m optimistic about the Steelers’ defense.”
Kimes isn’t the first person to say that the Steelers’ defense has been predictable recently. While the team changed defensive coordinators a few times during Tomlin’s tenure, the former head coach had his fingerprints all over the defense.
Now that he resigned, that unit will likely look different, even though many major players remain. Graham has been a defensive coordinator for three other teams, and he’s stressed that he doesn’t have a definitive system he runs. He builds his scheme around his players’ strengths.
One aspect of the Steelers’ defense that Graham highlighted was its size. It doesn’t lack big bodies, and Dean adds to that. He stands 6’1” and weighs over 200 pounds. Along with Joey Porter Jr., the Steelers have an imposing corner duo.
Also, Kimes is correct that Dean is coming off a great season. He recorded his season-high in interceptions with three, and he also posted nine pass defenses, two forced fumbles, and one sack.
While he turns 30 this season and has dealt with injury issues, the Steelers should be able to cut ties with Dean after this season if his level of play declines. He has been a solid player for most of his seven-year career, though. Dean gives the Steelers even more defensive talent. That unit has few excuses not to bounce back this year.
Recommended for you