Steelers Could Reunite Severely Underrated Free Agent With New DC Patrick Graham

The Pittsburgh Steelers' cornerback room was surprisingly solid by the end of the 2025 season, but it was not due to the supposed big fish they caught in the previous offseason. It was due to the surprising development of James Pierre and the midseason signing of Asante Samuel Jr. Both players are pending free agents, although there has been some internal discussion about bringing them both back. If one or neither of these guys return, Pittsburgh may look towards free agency to bring in some veteran depth to help out. 

In his latest column on The Athletic, insider Mike DeFabo brought up an under-the-radar option that the Steelers could sign, as he had previous success with new defensive coordinator, Patrick Graham in the past.

"[Eric] Stokes, a 2021 first-round pick of the Packers, played well in new Steelers defensive coordinator Patrick Graham’s scheme last year in Las Vegas," DeFabo said. "After a one-year, $3.5 million prove-it deal, he’s in line for a pay raise, and you have to wonder if he’ll follow Graham to Pittsburgh."

Cornerback Eric Stokes had a rough tenure with the Green Bay Packers, who drafted him in the first round in 2021. Injuries and inconsistencies damaged his development to the point where he was not picked back up after his rookie contract expired. From there, he signed a cheap one-year deal with the Las Vegas Raiders in an attempt to turn his career around, and it has worked very well. 

In 2025, Stokes only allowed a 56.7% completion percentage while also setting career bests in yards per completion, yards per target, and touchdowns allowed while playing a whopping 98% of snaps in the 16 games he participated in. For a defense that was full of issues, Stokes was one of the few bright spots on the team. Allowing just 34 receptions in that time frame is amazing, and he could be exactly what Pittsburgh needs.

Like Joey Porter Jr., Stokes is not a turnover magnet that makes splashy plays. Instead, he is a simple lockdown cornerback that keeps opposing quarterbacks from throwing the ball in his general direction. He has just one career interception, and no other form of a splash play. He did have five passes defended in 2025 to go along with 53 tackles, however. That could be what the Steelers need in 2026 and beyond.

In previous years, the Steelers have gone all in on trying to create turnovers at the expense of basic, fundamentally sound defense. Pairing Porter with Stokes would be the antithesis of that, as the focus would be making sure the wide receivers are unable to get open, which could still lead to takeaways for other players, like the deep safeties. This could be perfect for Graham's new defense. 

Graham has made himself known as a man that is very adaptable. If anyone can make this work with a new scheme, it's him. On that same front, why would Stokes not want to follow the man that helped turn him into one of the most underrated players in the NFL? His best chance at continuing his career revival is most likely in Pittsburgh with his most recent coordinator.

Steelers' Contract Situation With Stokes Makes Perfect Sense

After one great year, Stokes will get a nice pay raise, although it won't be to the level of some of these other big-name cornerbacks. It will likely be a two-year deal, as DeFabo later noted as well. If the veteran corner continues to grow from his great year in Las Vegas, then he could receive a massive extension in 2027 and help lock down opposing wide receivers for the long-term future.

What do you think about the Steelers potentially signing Stokes? Let us know in the comments or on X at @Steelers_ChrisB.

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