The Steelers have added a familiar face to their practice squad, signing veteran cornerback James Pierre as first reported by NFL insider Aaron Wilson.

Cornerback James Pierre has signed with the #Steelers’ practice squad, with an opportunity to play soon and make a significant impact on special teams agent @toneyscottjr to @KPRC2

— Aaron Wilson (@AaronWilson_NFL) September 17, 2024

Pierre signed with the Steelers in 2020 as an undrafted free agent out of Florida Atlantic. From 2020-23, Pierre appeared in 66 games for the black and gold, logging six starts. Over his career, he has amassed 94 total tackles, two interceptions, three forced fumbles, and eight passes defensed.

The 6’2, 185-pound defender became a core special teamer for Pittsburgh, playing as one of the team’s two starting gunners. He ran a 4.59-second 40-yard dash coming out of college.

Pierre signed with the Washington Commanders as a free agent in March, but he was released during cutdowns in August. Now, he finds himself back where his NFL career began.

Although Wilson’s statement regarding “an opportunity to play soon and make a significant impact on special teams” reads as agent-speak, there is likely truth to it. Pierre is a fantastic gunner who could immediately make the Steelers’ special teams better.

With wide receiver and special teams ace Ben Skowronek dealing with a shoulder injury entering Week 3, a Pierre practice squad elevation ahead of the Steelers’ matchup against the Los Angeles Chargers seems probable.

The Steelers will have to clear a spot on their practice squad to add Pierre. That corresponding roster move will be announced when the Steelers make the signing official.