The Pittsburgh Steelers have been connected to a rather risky move for this four-time Pro Bowler.
The Pittsburgh Steelers could definitely afford to address their defense after finishing just 26th in the NFL in yards allowed this past season, and more specifically, their pass defense was disastrous in 2025.
The Steelers tried to plug that hole by swinging a trade for Jalen Ramsey last spring, but it didn't stop Pittsburgh from finishing 29th in pass defense, clearly indicating the team's need for more help in the secondary.
Fortunately, the Steelers have a nice chunk of cap room to make some moves in free agency, and Bleacher Report's Alex Kay has linked them to cornerback Marshon Lattimore, who was just released by the Washington Commanders.
Based on Lattimore's name alone, this seems like it would be a great move, right? After all, Lattimore is a four-time Pro Bowler, so, in theory, he should definitely be able to provide Pittsburgh's defensive backfield with a boost.
But here's the problem: Lattimore has not made a Pro Bowl since 2021, and over the last five seasons, he has played in a grand total of 35 games due to injuries.
This past year with the Commanders, the 29-year-old appeared in nine contests, logging 27 tackles, an interception and seven passes defended. He also posted a brutal 51.2 coverage grade at Pro Football Focus.
Marshon Lattimore. Credit: Eric Canha-Imagn Images.Remember: last year when the Steelers acquired Ramsey, some wondered if it was the right move, as the star defender was clearly past his prime. Pittsburgh moved him from cornerback to safety to help with his decline, and while Ramsey was solid, he didn't make the type of impact that many hoped.
So isn't it probably time for the Steelers to stop chasing aging players?
The chances of Lattimore actually staying on the field for an entire season are very slim, and even if he does, he is obviously not the same player from his New Orleans Saints days when he was genuinely elite.
Pittsburgh has enough cap room to make a move for one of the better cornerbacks on the open market rather than having to settle for a declining veteran like Lattimore.
Either that, or the Steelers can use a first-round pick on a corner. Clemson's Avieon Terrell, for example, could be on the board at No. 21.
Pittsburgh needs an infusion of new talent in its secondary, and Lattimore definitely isn't the freshest start the team could make.
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