PITTSBURGH — Despite speculation and reports claiming the Pittsburgh Steelers were actively pursuing cornerback Jaylon Johnson, the Chicago Bears are holding onto their defense back, who will not be the latest addition to the black and gold defense.

Johnson, 24, was the Bears second-round pick in the 2020 NFL Draft. Over the last four years, he’s started 45 games, recording three interceptions – including two this season – and 35 pass deflections. This season, he’s allowed just a 50% completion percentage.

According to Bleacher Report’s Jordan Schultz, the team has ended talks and will keep Johnson on their roster.

The Steelers officially moved rookie Joey Porter Jr. into the starting lineup, replacing an injured Wallace. The veteran corner arrived in Pittsburgh last offseason and started 14 of his 21 games for the Steelers. He recorded six interceptions in black and gold but allowed a 58.7% completion percentage this season.

With the trade deadline approaching, Pittsburgh was involved in multiple reports that they were a favorite to acquire the Bears’ young cornerback. However, the deadline has since come and gone, and the Steelers have stayed put.

Now, the question becomes what cornerback starts alongside Porter Jr? With Wallace possibly returning from his foot injury, could he overstep Patrick Peterson? Or do the Steelers move Peterson inside? Or does Peterson and Porter Jr. continue to start on the outside?

The team could find out sooner rather than later if Wallace is active in Week 9 against the Titans.