Steelers Waive Cory Trice as Mike McCarthy Reshapes Defensive Roster

The Pittsburgh Steelers have moved on from cornerback Cory Trice, waiving the former 2023 draft pick as part of an ongoing roster evaluation under new head coach Mike McCarthy. The decision comes as the franchise begins aligning personnel decisions with McCarthy’s long-term vision.

Trice’s release was designated as a failed physical, signaling that health concerns played a central role in the team’s decision. It also effectively ends his attempt to reestablish himself in Pittsburgh after multiple injury setbacks.

The move reflects a broader offseason effort to stabilize and upgrade a defense that struggled in key areas last season. For Pittsburgh, the transition period has already brought significant changes to the secondary.

While Trice showed occasional promise when available, injuries ultimately prevented him from securing a consistent role within the defensive rotation.

1. Injuries Derail Early Career Momentum

Trice’s time with the Steelers was defined largely by availability issues rather than on-field performance. His early development was disrupted when he suffered a torn ACL during his first training camp, setting back his progression before it could fully begin. Further setbacks followed in the 2024 and 2025 seasons, when recurring hamstring injuries led to multiple stints on injured reserve. Those injuries limited his ability to build continuity within the defensive system. Despite those challenges, Trice did manage to see the field in 2024, appearing in six games and starting one. During that stretch, he recorded 21 tackles, two passes defended, and one interception. However, the inability to stay healthy consistently ultimately prevented him from securing a long-term role in Pittsburgh’s defensive plans.

2. Crowded Secondary Reduces Roster Path

Even if Trice had returned to full health, his path to a roster spot would have remained difficult given the Steelers’ depth at cornerback. The team already features established contributors such as Joey Porter Jr. and Asante Samuel Jr., both of whom are expected to play major roles in the secondary. Pittsburgh further reinforced its defensive backfield by signing Jamel Dean in free agency, adding another experienced option to an already competitive group. The competition intensified even more when the team used a third-round pick in the 2026 NFL Draft to select Daylen Everette, signaling a clear investment in younger talent. With multiple established and emerging players ahead of him, Trice faced an uphill battle to secure a roster spot even without the added complication of injuries.

3. Defensive Struggles Drive Urgency For Change

The roster turnover at cornerback comes against the backdrop of a defense that struggled significantly in 2025. The Pittsburgh Steelers ranked 29th in pass defense, allowing 243.9 passing yards per game. Those struggles have increased urgency within the organization to rebuild and strengthen the secondary heading into 2026. The coaching staff has emphasized improving consistency and limiting explosive plays as key offseason priorities. McCarthy’s arrival has further accelerated that process, as he works to identify players who fit both the schematic and physical demands of his defensive approach. For Trice, the timing of the roster changes leaves him searching for a new opportunity, but only after he is fully recovered from the injuries that have defined his early career.