Steelers Bolster Defensive Depth With Watson, Simmons
Pittsburgh, PA. - The Pittsburgh Steelers continued their aggressive approach to free agency on Tuesday, announcing a flurry of moves that reshaped both sides of the roster. The headliner: cornerback Jaylen Watson, who joins the Steelers on a three-year, $21 million contract after spending the start of his career with the Kansas City Chiefs.
Watson arrives as a replacement for Darius Slay, who departed after one season in Pittsburgh. At 6-foot-2, Watson brings length, physicality, and the ability to match up with bigger receivers — traits that fit seamlessly into a secondary already boasting Jalen Ramsey and Joey Porter Jr.. The trio could give the Steelers one of the more imposing cornerback groups in the AFC.
The team also moved quickly to strengthen the back end, signing former Chargers safety Alohi Gilman to a three-year, $19.5 million deal. Gilman, a steady presence in Los Angeles’ defense, will compete with Juan Thornhill for the starting free safety role, providing depth and flexibility for defensive coordinator Teryl Austin.
The Steelers weren’t done with the defense. Former Cardinals and Giants hybrid linebacker Isaiah Simmons agreed to a two-year, $12 million contract, giving Pittsburgh a versatile chess piece capable of lining up at safety, slot corner, or linebacker. Simmons’ athleticism and range could be invaluable in sub-packages against modern spread offenses.
Joining him is former Cowboys linebacker Damone Clark, who signed a three-year, $9 million deal. Clark, just 25 years old, adds youth and speed to the linebacker rotation, potentially slotting in as an off-ball defender alongside Cole Holcomb.
While much of Pittsburgh’s offensive core is intact outside of the unsettled quarterback position, the front office also looked to add playmaking depth. Speedy running back Keaton Mitchell signed a three-year, $13.5 million deal, bringing home-run ability as both a change-of-pace runner and return option. Mitchell’s explosiveness could complement Kaleb Johnson and Jaylen Warren, giving the Steelers one of the deeper backfields in the league.
The team also inked return specialist and gadget player KaVontae Turpin to a one-year, $7 million contract. Turpin, a Pro Bowl returner with the Cowboys, offers game-breaking speed and could factor into Pittsburgh’s offensive packages as a slot weapon or jet-sweep option.
Through two days of free agency, the Steelers have taken clear steps to strengthen their defense and diversify their offensive skill set. With Cameron Heyward’s retirement and the search for a new franchise quarterback still looming, Pittsburgh’s front office has prioritized surrounding the roster with proven veterans and flexible role players to keep the team competitive in 2026.
