Unlikeliest Steelers defensive back could solve major woes in the secondary

The Pittsburgh Steelers squeaked out a win against the Washington Commanders in Week 10, but it wasn't because of impressive play by the cornerbacks. Though quarterback Jayden Daniels finished the game with modest numbers in the box score, this group allowed wide receiver Terry McLaurin to explode for 113 yards on six targets while struggling to execute their assignments.

As a result, Pittsburgh's cornerbacks collectively earned the lowest PFF grades on the team. Back from suspension, Cameron Sutton earned a 27.4 grade on 19 snaps, while a grabby Joey Porter Jr. earned an overall grade of 33.4. Likewise, Donte Jackson was torched a few times in the secondary -- notching a Pro Football Focus grade of just 41.2 in Week 10.

After showing promise early in the season, this CB group has since been one of the biggest liabilities on the team, and it's time to look for a talented young player for help.

Steelers could turn to Cory Trice Jr. to aid struggling secondary

Before suffering a hamstring injury in Week 3, Cory Trice Jr. appeared to be everything promised and more. The former Purdue defensive back once garnered praise as a Day 2 draft prospect, but a terrifying injury history caused him to slip to the seventh round of the 2023 NFL Draft.

Though he only has 29 defensive snaps under his belt, Trice was playing nearly perfect football before the injury. The talented DB logged snaps on the boundary, in the slot, and in the box while snatching a crucial touchdown-saving interception against the Denver Broncos in Week 2. When he has been targeted this season, Trice has allowed a passer rating of just 33.3.

On November 14, Brooke Pryor of ESPN reported that the Steelers have opened up the 21-day practice window for the second-year cornerback to return from IR.

This doesn't guarantee that Trice will play in Week 11, but he's on the cusp of a return and Mike Tomlin will let his participation in practice be their guide.

If Trice is fully healthy and ready to take the field, the Steelers shouldn't hesitate to find ways to get the athletic cornerback involved -- whether that means playing him on the boundary in Pittsburgh's base defense or bringing him in for subpackage looks as an extra defensive back.

Quite frankly, Donte Jackson's performance has hit a wall since Week 6, and he's become one of the biggest liabilities on the team. The 5'10'', 29-year-old cornerback has never been consistent and the Steelers should look to see if Trice is a better option to work in tandem with fellow outside cornerback Joey Porter Jr.

Even if Trice proves to be healthy and earns a helmet this week, we shouldn't expect a huge role for the young player right away, fresh off IR. However, the talented defensive back could solve many of their woes in the secondary if given the chance.