According to NFL insider Josina Anderson, the San Francisco 49ers are among several teams that have expressed preliminary interest in Pittsburgh Steelers cornerback James Pierre.
As of yesterday these teams with preliminary interest on #Steelers CB James Pierre included: #49ers, $falcons, #Giants, #Jets, #Bears, #Vikings, #Bucs, per league source.
My understanding is that Pierre has ties to some of the coaches on the above teams--including a coach in… https://t.co/zngjTmSzEX
— JosinaAnderson (@JosinaAnderson) March 9, 2026
The 49ers could look to bolster their secondary in free agency after the defense ranked No. 25 in passing yards allowed during the 2025 season.
Pierre (6-2, 185) originally signed with the Steelers as an undrafted free agent out of Florida Atlantic University in 2020. He spent his first four NFL seasons in Pittsburgh before briefly joining the Washington Commanders during the 2024 offseason. Pierre returned to the Steelers in September 2024 and remained with the team through the 2025 campaign.
During the 2025 season, Pierre appeared in 14 games and recorded 30 total tackles, according to Pro Football Reference. He also posted a career-high 11 passes defensed and one interception. Pierre added a 34-yard fumble return for a touchdown in a Week 11 win over the Cincinnati Bengals.
Across six NFL seasons, Pierre has appeared in 95 games with 13 starts. He has totaled 147 tackles, 22 passes defensed, four interceptions, and five forced fumbles. Pierre also has two fumble recoveries and one defensive touchdown while serving as a steady contributor on special teams throughout his career.