Connect with us
DAPA Banner

Sports

Vikings Sign Undercover Hot Shot from Steelers

Published

on

Advertisement

Steelers CB James Pierre in 2025 against the Bengals
Nov 16, 2025; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers cornerback James Pierre (42) leaps into the end zone for a touchdown after recovering a fumble against the Cincinnati Bengals during the fourth quarter at Acrisure Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Barry Reeger-Imagn Images

The Minnesota Vikings are no longer “required” to select a cornerback in Round 1 of the 2026 NFL Draft. The club used its very first free-agent signing this week on a man named James Pierre from the Pittsburgh Steelers.

Gerald Alexander and Brian Flores Know the Player Well

Pierre brings an undercover stellar 2025 resume to Minnesota, so much so that fans can pencil him in as the CB3 as early as today.

Advertisement

Gerald Alexander and Brian Flores Know Pierre Well

Alas, the Vikings’ CB depth fears have vanished.

James Pierre reacts after intercepting a pass during Steelers vs. Browns game at Acrisure Stadium. James Pierre Vikings
Pittsburgh Steelers cornerback James Pierre (42) celebrates after securing an interception against the Cleveland Browns during fourth-quarter action at Acrisure Stadium in Pittsburgh, with the play unfolding on Dec. 8, 2024 as the Steelers defense sealed momentum late in the AFC North matchup. Pierre reacts while teammates gather around the turnover. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-Imagn Images.

Pierre to MIN

Pierre to the purple team is basically official, barring a bizarre last-second change of heart.

NBC Sports‘ Josh Alper wrote Monday, “The Vikings have landed a new cornerback in the early stages of the free agent negotiating window. Cameron Wolfe of NFL Media reports that they have agreed to terms with James Pierre on a two-year deal. The contract is worth $8.5 million with $3.7 million in guaranteed money.”

Advertisement

“Pierre signed with the Steelers after going undrafted in 2020 and returned to the team after failing to make the Commanders in 2024. Pierre appeared in 95 games over his six seasons in Pittsburgh.”

Minnesota was in the market for a budget cornerback — one with upside — and absolutely nailed that mission with Pierre for $3.7 million guaranteed. It’s a steal of a deal.

The Stats for Pierre

Looking for the statistical skinny on Pierre? We’ve got it. Here’s his work since 2020:

Advertisement

2025: 86.2 (408 snaps)
2024: 56.2 (207 snaps)
2023: 40.4 (28 snaps)
2022: 69.9 (260 snaps)
2021: 58.1 (415 snaps)
2020: 80.5 (38 snaps)

And the passer-rating-against in the same timeframe:

2025: 41.4 (408 snaps)
2024: 81.5 (207 snaps)
2023: 143.7 (28 snaps)
2022: 58.7 (260 snaps)
2021: 105.7 (415 snaps)
2020: 79.2 (38 snaps)

Pierre is 6’2″ and 190 pounds, instantly making him the Vikings’ tallest cornerback who projects to receive playing time in 2026. He’s also Lamar Jackson’s cousin.

Advertisement

SI.com‘s Jack Markowski on Pierre: “Pierre made a career-high five starts for Pittsburgh after re-signing with the organization on a one-year deal worth the veteran’s minimum last offseason. He did not allow a touchdown in coverage, per Pro Football Reference, while holding opposing quarterbacks to a completion percentage of just 42.9 on 35 targets across 376 coverage snaps.”

“Spotrac has Pierre’s market value currently set at a one-year contract for $1.873 million, which would mark a marginal raise from the $1.170 million salary he earned in 2025. Cornerback sticks out as one of Pittsburgh’s biggest needs, and the potential departure of Pierre is a main reason why.”

It’s also worth noting that Brian Flores stopped by the 2022 Steelers as a linebackers coach; he knows Pierre, too, as Pierre has worked for Pittsburgh his entire career.

James Pierre warms up on the field before Steelers vs. Broncos game at Heinz Field. James Pierre Vikings
Pittsburgh Steelers cornerback James Pierre (42) warms up on the field before kickoff against the Denver Broncos at Heinz Field in Pittsburgh, with the pregame scene captured on Sep. 20, 2020 as players prepared for the early-season matchup. The Steelers later earned a narrow 26–21 victory over Denver in the contest. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports.

Markowski continued, “The team is in good shape with Joey Porter Jr. as its No. 1 option at the position following a stellar campaign that could very well earn him a top-of-the-market extension as he enters the final year of his rookie deal, but the depth is lacking.”

“Pierre blossomed into a true impact player for the Steelers in his fifth season with the organization last year, and while there are other enticing veterans in free agency, bringing him back is the easiest path forward. The issue, though, is that his market appears to be booming, complicating matters in the process.”

Advertisement

The Revised CB Room

With the Pierre addition, here’s a look at Minnesota’s updated CB room:

  • Byron Murphy Jr.
  • Isaiah Rodgers
  • James Pierre
  • Dwight McGlothern
  • Zemaiah Vaughn

One would think the group needs at least one more credible defender — perhaps Fabian Moreau, the club’s veteran CB3 for most of 2025 — but during the most recent offseason, the Vikings were content with minimal depth. We shall see if that changes in 2026.

The Gerald Alexander Connection

Minnesota employed a man named Daronte Jones as the defensive passing game coordinator from 2022 to 2025, and he left this offseason to take the Washington Commanders’ defensive coordinator job, a sweet promotion. To backfill Jones’s job, Kevin O’Connell and Brian Flores hired Gerald Alexander from the Steelers’ staff.

Advertisement
Gerald Alexander smiles on the sideline during Dolphins preseason game against the Chicago Bears. James Pierre Vikings
Miami Dolphins defensive backs coach Gerald Alexander smiles along the sideline during second-half action against the Chicago Bears at Soldier Field in Chicago, with the moment captured on Aug. 14, 2021 as Miami’s staff monitored preseason play. Alexander watches from the sideline while the Dolphins evaluate defensive personnel during the exhibition matchup. Mandatory Credit: Jon Durr-USA TODAY Sports.

His first order of business? Bringing Pierre with him in free agency.

If the pattern holds, the Vikings could, in theory, also sign Asante Samuel Jr., who also patrolled Alexander’s secondary in 2025.

Pierre will turn 30 in September, so he does not have youth on his side. He ran a 4.59 forty at the 2020 NFL Combine — not a speedster.


avatar

Source link

Advertisement
Continue Reading
Click to comment

You must be logged in to post a comment Login

Leave a Reply

Sports

Chase DeLauter embraces hot start as Guardians host Cubs

Published

on

Syndication: Akron Beacon JournalCleveland Guardians’ Chase DeLauter reacts to his two-run home run against the Chicago Cubs during the home opener April 4, 2026, in Cleveland.

Cleveland Guardians rookie Chase DeLauter has appeared in three home games in his young career, two of them during the 2025 American League wild-card series, when he made his major league debut.

The fourth appearance will occur Saturday night when the Chicago Cubs continue their three-game set in Cleveland.

Cubs left-hander Shota Imanaga (0-1, 7.20 ERA) will oppose Guardians right-hander Slade Cecconi (0-1, 12.46).

DeLauter moved into a tie for the major league lead with five home runs, belting a two-run shot and singling home another run as the Guardians won 4-1 in their home opener Friday.

Before all four of his plate appearances, the sellout crowd of 36,396 loudly sang along with his walk-up song, “Take Me Home, Country Roads” by John Denver.

Advertisement

“It’s awesome hearing that from the first time; I get chills every at-bat,” said DeLauter, who grew up in West Virginia, where the song is set. “A lot of players look at it like, ‘Is that walk-up going to catch on?’ So I love that the crowd is real involved in it here.”

DeLauter had three hits to raise his average to .346 and his three RBIs gave him eight, along with a 1.293 OPS. He missed Cleveland’s previous game after fouling a ball off his surgically repaired left foot Tuesday in a game at the Los Angeles Dodgers.

The 6-foot-3, 235-pounder almost caused another injury after touching the plate on his homer, excitedly body-checking teammate Steven Kwan in celebration. Kwan was momentarily stunned before smiling.

Advertisement

“It’s incredible what he’s doing,” Guardians manager Stephen Vogt said. “Chase is comfortable, he’s not big eyed, and he’s doing a phenomenal job for us. It’s a really fun start for him this year.”

Cecconi spent two years with the Arizona Diamondbacks but has not faced the Cubs. He was rocked for six runs in 4 1/3 innings at the Seattle Mariners on Sunday, hitting two batters.

Imanaga beat the visiting Guardians on July 2, 2025, giving up three runs in 5 1/3 innings. He is 1-0 with a 5.23 ERA in two career starts against Cleveland, allowing five homers in 10 1/3 innings.

The 32-year-old from Japan made his season debut against the Washington Nationals on Sunday, taking the loss with five innings of four-run ball. Imanaga struck out seven over 82 pitches.

Advertisement

Chicago’s rotation became a concern for manager Craig Counsell when starter Cade Horton threw only 17 pitches Friday before leaving with right forearm discomfort. Horton is 12-4 in his first 24 starts in the majors.

“Any time you take a pitcher out of the game in the second inning, you’re concerned,” Counsell said. “He’ll probably get imaging and that’s concerning, as well. It’s going to be an (injured list) stint, but let’s get more information before we get too far.”

Career starter Colin Rea worked 3 1/3 innings of one-run ball following Horton and is the most likely candidate to assume his spot in the rotation. The righty began the season in the bullpen with the Cubs overflowing with arms.

That is no longer the case with Horton sidelined until at least mid-April.

Advertisement

“We’ll see what happens, but I think we’ve got the depth to handle those innings,” said Rea, who has the Cubs’ only save this year. “I’ve done it in the past, and we’ve got some guys built up for depth in Triple-A. I just hope it’s nothing too serious with Cade.”

–Field Level Media

Source link

Advertisement
Continue Reading

Sports

England backs shine as Bath beat Saracens to reach Champions Cup quarter-finals

Published

on

Bath turned to a quartet of their England backs to turn the tide as they edged into the Champions Cup quarter-finals with a 31-22 victory over Saracens.

Trailing 10-0 at the interval at the Recreation Ground, the hosts burst into life with tries from Henry Arundell, Joe Cokanasiga, Ben Spencer and Ollie Lawrence as they set up a last-eight appointment at home against Northampton.

Spencer’s 59th-minute finish of an audacious attack that began on their own try-line looked to be pivotal but determined Saracens refused to throw in the towel and were only truly beaten when Arundell ran in his second in the 80th minute.

Bath’s scrum needed rescuing after a humbling first half with the introduction of prop Thomas du Toit making the difference and the South Africa tighthead was named man of the match.

Unlike their visit to the Recreation Ground a fortnight ago when they were overwhelmed 62-15, it was clear Saracens meant business from the start as they halted an early Bath onslaught including holding up a forward drive over the line.

Advertisement

Having proved their mettle in defence, they surged ahead in the 14th minute when Charlie Bracken deceived Cokanasiga with a dummy from the base of a maul and raced over.

It was poor defending from Cokanasiga, but at the other end Saracens continued to show far greater determination as the outstanding Tom Willis bulldozed a way through heavy traffic to rescue a dangerous position.

Bath’s scrum was beginning to buckle and they were also suffering at the breakdown, but the visitors were their own worst enemies at times with Fergus Burke failing to find touch with a penalty.

Rhys Carre rampaged into space and Noah Caluori almost crossed in the left corner before Guy Pepper was shown a yellow card for cynically heading the ball away on the floor.

Advertisement

So many elements of Saracens’ game were firing but the points they deserved proved elusive with a Farrell penalty their only other score in a half they had controlled.

To punish their wastefulness, Arundell sprinted across after being released by Charlie Ewels early in the second half and then Cokanasiga scooped up a loose ball to weave over after Lawrence had carried into space.

The tries sandwiched a dramatic reversal in the scrum with Beno Obano sin-binned for a cumulation of penalties before Du Toit forced a penalty, providing Cokanasiga with the platform to score.

Bath led for the first time and then produced the highlight of the afternoon by stopping Saracens from scoring by dislodging the ball from Andy Onyeama-Christie as he ran at the line before striking with a move that began from their own whitewash.

Advertisement

Cokanasiga escaped the 22, found Alfie Barbeary who waited for Spencer and the England scrum-half had gas to finish from long range.

Maro Itoje and then Ivan van Zyl burst through the breakdown and Saracens were far from done as a period of pressure ended with Max Malins touching down in the left corner.

But Harry Wilson was the next to see yellow for a dangerous tackle on Miles Reid and soon after Lawrence crashed over from close range.

Caluori replied for Saracens, but Bath had the final say at the death through Arundell.

Advertisement

Source link

Continue Reading

Sports

Top AEW star in trouble; asks history making champion for help against Death Riders

Published

on

A top AEW star, currently in the crosshairs of the Death Riders, recently asked a historic champion outside the promotion to help him against Moxley’s group.

The star we’re highlighting here is none other than Will Ospreay. The British talent recently made a major comeback to AEW, returning at Revolution 2026 last month after being sidelined with a neck injury since Forbidden Door 2025 in August. Upon his return, the Aerial Assassin immediately targeted the Death Riders, the group responsible for his long absence. The Sky King is set to face group leader Jon Moxley in a highly anticipated showdown at Dynasty 2026 on April 12. Meanwhile, Ospreay also recently made his in-ring return for NJPW, appearing at the promotion’s Sakura Genesis event, where he teamed up with United Empire’s Great-O-Khan and HENARE in a six-man tag team match, which his team won. Beyond that, Ospreay had an interesting discussion with IWGP Heavyweight Champion Callum Newman.

Advertisement

The main event of NJPW Sakura Genesis featured Newman defending his title against Yota Tsuji. Newman, who made wrestling history by becoming the youngest IWGP Heavyweight Champion, managed to defeat Tsuji in their match. Later backstage, Ospreay was seen asking the United Empire and Newman for help at work, seemingly implying that he needs assistance in dealing with the Death Riders.

Will Ospreay vs. Jon Moxley at AEW Dynasty will now be a title match

Many fans know that Will Ospreay’s chance to face Jon Moxley at Dynasty later this month was initially set as a regular singles match. However, recent events between the two at Collision this Thursday have caused the Purveyor of Violence to now defend his coveted Continental Title in that matchup.

For context, Moxley was attacked by the Aerial Assassin on Collision after his Continental Title eliminator match against Anthony Bowens. Ospreay was about to take out the One True King with a chair before the Death Riders arrived to make the save. The British star then challenged Moxley to put his Continental title on the line at Dynasty. The match change was soon made official by AEW.