Vikings newest defender graded among the best players late in games

The Minnesota Vikings signed veteran cornerback James Pierre early in free agency to bolster their thin cornerback room. Pierre spent his first six seasons with the Pittsburgh Steelers, overlapping with Brian Flores’ time there as linebackers coach and defensive special assistant.

But Pierre could fit the Vikings because of his late-game play. Listen to Kevin O’Connell long enough, and you’re sure to hear his oft-used phrase, “Be at your best when your best is required.”

In 2025, Pierre was phenomenal late in games. Per PFF, his 91.4 grade in the fourth quarter was amongst the best in the league. This ranked second on Daire Carragher’s list, where he excluded players who were ranked top-20 overall in overall offensive or defensive grades, “as their late-game production simply mirrored the dominance they displayed throughout entire games”.

When discussing Pierre, Carragher wrote:

Across 79 fourth-quarter coverage snaps, Pierre allowed just two receptions for 19 yards. He also recorded six of his nine pass breakups during fourth quarters. His fourth-quarter PFF coverage grade of 91.3 ranked first in the NFL and likely would have been even higher had he managed to keep both feet in bounds on a near interception against his current team, the Minnesota Vikings, in Week 4.

Among the receivers targeted while covered by Pierre in the fourth quarter were Ja’Marr Chase, Tee Higgins, Michael Pittman Jr. and Jerry Jeudy. None managed to record a catch against him.

Across 79 fourth-quarter coverage snaps, Pierre allowed just two receptions for 19 yards. He also recorded six of his nine pass breakups during fourth quarters. His fourth-quarter PFF coverage grade of 91.3 ranked first in the NFL and likely would have been even higher had he managed to keep both feet in bounds on a near interception against his current team, the Minnesota Vikings, in Week 4.

Among the receivers targeted while covered by Pierre in the fourth quarter were Ja’Marr Chase, Tee Higgins, Michael Pittman Jr. and Jerry Jeudy. None managed to record a catch against him.

Pierre provides the Vikings with size (6’2″, 185 pounds) that they lack throughout the cornerback room. Minnesota is hoping he can replicate his 2025 success after signing him to a two-year, $8.5 million contract back in March.