James Pierre: Everything you need to know

Pierre agreed to a two-year, $8.5 million contract with the Vikings on Monday, Cameron Wolfe of NFL Network reports. Once Pierre's deal becomes official Wednesday at the start of the new league year, it will feature $3.7 million in guaranteed money and a $2.5 million signing bonus. He's expected to take over as Minnesota's slot cornerback. Pierre filled that role for the Steelers in 2025 but also filled in capably on the outside when injuries struck Pittsburgh's cornerback room. He notched 11 passes defensed in 14 appearances during the 2025 regular season.

Pierre recorded 30 total tackles (14 solo), 11 passes defensed, including an interception, while also adding a fumble recovery over 14 contests during the 2025 regular season. Pierre slotted in as one of Pittsburgh's primary options at cornerback in 2025, and he stepped up to secure a career-high 11 passes defensed. Additionally, the 29-year-old scooped up the first fumble recovery of his six-year NFL career, returning it 34 yards for a touchdown in Week 11 against the Bengals. Pierre is set to become a free agent in the offseason, but the Steelers will likely be interested in bringing him back for 2026.

Pierre (calf) does not carry an injury designation into Sunday's game against the Ravens, Brooke Pryor of ESPN.com reports. Pierre has been officially cleared to return from a three-game absence due to a calf injury, and he'll likely start at outside corner opposite Joey Porter on Sunday while Asante Samuel reverts to a depth role in the secondary. Across the 13 regular-season games prior to his calf injury, Pierre logged 28 tackles (12 solo), 11 pass defenses (one interception) and a scoop-and-score.