Things were looking pretty promising early on in the 2021 season for second-year undrafted free agent cornerback James Pierre.
After making the team in 2020, Pierre worked his way into the rotation in 2021 as the Steelers’ No. 3 cornerback behind Joe Haden and Cam Sutton, entering the game in sub-package situations as Sutton kicked inside to the slot. Pierre more than held his own, making some plays early in the season to warrant his playing time, including a win-sealing interception in the end zone against the Denver Broncos in Week 5.
Despite some strong play at times early in the season, Pierre fell off as he struggled to stick with some top receivers, leading to him being relatively buried on the depth chart throughout the season before reemerging at times down the stretch.