Steelers upgrade secondary with Rayshawn Jenkins signing

Rayshawn Jenkins. IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

Steelers upgrade secondary with Rayshawn Jenkins signing

By Andrew Wright | Last updated Aug 1, 2026 1:40 PM ET

The Pittsburgh Steelers consistently boast one of the top defenses in the NFL.

A signing on Saturday afternoon further boosted Pittsburgh's chances of once again having an outstanding defense in 2026.

Rayshawn Jenkins is headed to Pittsburgh Steelers

According to NFL insider Jordan Schultz, Pittsburgh and safety Rayshawn Jenkins are in agreement on a one-year deal.

Jenkins spent the 2025 season with the Cleveland Browns and will now be headed to his fourth team in as many seasons.

Sources: The #Steelers are signing former #Browns safety Rayshawn Jenkins.

The 10-year veteran played in all 17 games last season for Cleveland, while recording 1 INT and 45 tackles. pic.twitter.com/hQTUtMjvKa
— Jordan Schultz (@Schultz_Report) August 1, 2026

Rayshawn Jenkins is still very productive

As noted by Schultz, Jenkins racked up 45 tackles and one interception last season. The two best seasons of his career came in 2022 and 2023 with the Jacksonville Jaguars.

In each of those seasons, Jenkins collected 100-plus tackles, while also notching multiple interceptions in each of those seasons.

While the past two seasons haven't been up to that level, Jenkins has still been an impactful player in the secondary for each team he has appeared with.

Pittsburgh Steelers have an excellent defense on paper

Jenkins will join a defense that still includes T.J. Watt, Jalen Ramsey, Jamel Dean and other standout players at all positions.

In what will be the first year under defensive coordinator Patrick Graham, the Steelers defense once again has all the makings to be one of the most dominant in the league.

Andrew Wright

Andrew "Dew" Wright graduated from Charleston Southern University with a degree in Communication Studies. He is a lifelong Chicago Cubs and Washington Commanders fan.

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