The Pittsburgh Steelers have some questionable areas of the roster, although most of those spots come on the offensive side of the ball. On defense, the weak points come along the defensive line and at cornerback. Pittsburgh has been trying to find a reliable plan at cornerback for years, and the organization took a step in the right direction by drafting Joey Porter Jr. during the 2023 NFL Draft. He has been solid and is continuing to progress, however the other cornerback spot has been filled by a revolving door of veterans.
In the 2023 NFL Draft, Pittsburgh also drafted Cory Trice Jr. He was selected in the seventh-round, but he has struggled with injuries so far in his career. He missed his entire rookie season and also was out for significant time in 2024. He was able to show some flashes, as he recorded his first career interception against the Denver Broncos in Week 2 and he also showed his prowess as a tackler when on the field. He did have one rough performance, which came in the regular season finale against the Cincinnati Bengals. He spoke to the media after Organized Team Activities (OTAs), and he shared that he still thinks about that performance.
"I'm used to letting up nothing," Trice said. "What happened there, it will never happen again."
Facing the Bengals is no small task for any opposing secondary. Ja'Marr Chase and Tee Higgins make up one of the best wide receiver duos in the league, and they catch passes from the quarterback who had the best statistical season in 2024 in Joe Burrow. That offense is a cornerback's nightmare, and Trice had a rough outing trying to contain Chase in Week 18.
Chase had 10 receptions for 96 yards and a touchdown during the game, and he was featured early and often. It is a bit bizarre Pittsburgh's plan was to have Trice follow the elite receiver around after having very little experience, but it does show the trust they have in the young defender. The organization clearly is hoping for Trice to take a leap, as he will likely serve in the same role he had in 2024. He will be a depth player on the outside, while he will also be featured in dime situations on obvious passing downs.
Pittsburgh signed Darius Slay Jr. during the 2025 offseason after he had just won a Super Bowl with the Philadelphia Eagles. He will likely be playing opposite Porter. Slay is probably entering his final season in the NFL, which could open the door for Trice to be a starter for Pittsburgh in 2026. Slay and Porter have both also missed time for injuries at points in their careers, so there is a chance that fans could see Trice starting a few games in 2025.
Steelers Proved How Much Trust They Have In Cory Trice Jr.
After only being able to play in six games during the 2025 season and ending the season on a rough note, many fans thought that drafting a cornerback in the 2025 NFL Draft was going to be a necessity for Pittsburgh. This would have likely bumped Trice down in the rotation, but that didn't happen. The Steelers did draft Donte Kent in the seventh round, but he is more of a slot cornerback and a return specialist. Trice's job is safe for now, which displays how much Pittsburgh wants the young defender to work out in Pittsburgh.
Trice should have plenty of opportunities during the 2025 season to make a name for himself and make some plays. Hopefully he will be able to stay healthy, and he can be on the field for most of the season. Only playing in six games throughout his first two seasons is disappointing, and hopefully he can discover some consistency in his professional career.
