The Pittsburgh Steelers are making moves in their secondary, signing safety Makari Paige to a one-year contract on Wednesday. The team officially announced the deal, which adds depth to their defensive backfield.

Paige originally entered the NFL as a college free agent with the New York Giants following the 2025 draft. After spending time on the Giants' practice squad last season, he now gets a fresh start in Pittsburgh. The 6-foot-4 defensive back brings impressive college credentials from the University of Michigan, where he appeared in 53 games and was a key contributor to the Wolverines' 2023 national championship team.

During his collegiate career, Paige recorded 135 total tackles (64 solo), 11 passes defensed, three interceptions, two tackles for loss, a sack, and a fumble recovery. His size and versatility could make him a valuable asset for the Steelers' defensive schemes.

In a corresponding roster move, the Steelers released cornerback Cory Trice Jr. with a failed physical designation. Trice, a seventh-round pick in the 2023 draft, played just six games with one start during the 2024 season—his only regular-season action. Injuries plagued his time in Pittsburgh, including a torn ACL suffered during training camp in his rookie year and subsequent knee and hamstring issues that limited his availability.

For Steelers fans, this signing reflects the team's ongoing commitment to strengthening their defense through strategic additions. Whether Paige can carve out a role in Pittsburgh's secondary remains to be seen, but his championship pedigree and collegiate production give him a solid foundation to build upon.