Everette Gets Bigger Role as Steelers Eye Bengals
Rookie cornerback Daylen Everette logged the most defensive back snaps against Cincinnati and could see expanded time in Week 10.
Updated on Nov. 7, 2026 in Football
Steelers rookie cornerback Daylen Everette played the most snaps of any defensive back in the Week 3 game against the Bengals, logging 26 snaps after Jamel Dean's injury opened the door. The rookie third-round pick may see a bigger role again when Pittsburgh faces Cincinnati in Week 10.
Why it matters
Everette's extended playing time followed an injury to starter Jamel Dean and reportedly unhappiness with the play of Asante Samuel Jr. in the prior Bengals matchup. The increased workload offers a look at how Pittsburgh's secondary depth could shape the rematch.
Everette has logged 177 defensive snaps and 72 special teams snaps this season, with 17 combined tackles, five passes defensed, one interception and one forced fumble. Across the three games since Dean returned he has played just 23 snaps and never reached a 15 percent share.
The players
Daylen Everette
A third-round pick in the 2026 NFL Draft, Everette has emerged as a depth option in Pittsburgh's secondary this season.
Asante Samuel Jr.
A 5-10 cornerback and starter for the Steelers, Samuel Jr. has been the team's primary option in the secondary alongside its rotation.
The details
Everette, a 6-1 rookie, played extensively in the two weeks after Dean's injury, reverting to a backup role once Dean returned. Samuel Jr., a 5-10 starter, had been the primary option against Cincinnati before the coaching staff reportedly grew dissatisfied with his performance.
Timeline
Week 3: Steelers played the Bengals; Everette logged 26 snaps.
Week 10: Steelers face the Bengals again, with Everette possibly seeing an expanded role.
Season Trajectory
Pittsburgh's depth in the secondary has become a live question as injuries reshape the cornerback rotation during the season. The Week 10 rematch with Cincinnati could test whether a rookie can hold a larger share of snaps against a division opponent.
Everette's snap share could shift how the secondary is deployed against Cincinnati, affecting fantasy projections for defensive backs. Fans tracking the depth chart should watch whether Dean's availability limits his time.
The takeaway
Snap counts and injury replacements often reveal how depth players are being evaluated before the next matchup. Tracking usage across consecutive games gives a clearer picture than a single box score.
What happens next
The Steelers face the Bengals again in Week 10, when Everette may see a bigger role.
Further reading
For more on the team's defensive depth, see our Football coverage.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Steelers Depot.
