The Pittsburgh Steelers are reportedly very close to an agreement with free agent safety Keanu Neal. The news comes from Steelers insider Gerry Dulac who covers the team with the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette.
(Todd Kirkland)
Keanu Neal #22 of the Atlanta Falcons is introduced prior to an NFL game against the Chicago Bears at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on September 27, 2020 in Atlanta, Georgia.
Neal is known for his physicality and hard-hitting style of play, which has earned him the nickname "Kam Chancellor 2.0" in reference to former NFL safety Kam Chancellor. Despite suffering several injuries early in his career, including a torn ACL that caused him to miss most of the 2018 season, Neal has remained a productive player. In his rookie season, he recorded 106 tackles, one sack, and five passes defended, earning him a spot on the NFL All-Rookie Team. He has also been named to the Pro Bowl twice (in 2017 and 2018) and was a second-team All-Pro in 2017.
Neal being viewed as depth, not starter. https://t.co/SyBkDaGpld
— Gerry Dulac (@gerrydulac) March 30, 2023
Off the field, Neal is known for his charitable work. He has hosted free football camps for kids in his hometown of Webster, Florida, and has also worked with organizations such as Make-A-Wish and the Boys & Girls Clubs of America. In 2020, he was named the Falcons' nominee for the Walter Payton Man of the Year Award, which recognizes players for their volunteer and charity work.
Brett Duke
Neal was a standout his first few seasons in Atlanta before injuries cost him plenty of time. He played out his contract in Atlanta before heading to for one season in 2021. With Dallas he played a middle linebacker role before transitioning back to safety last season for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
It's likely Neal will play a hybrid-role for the Steelers alongside starters Minkah Fitzpatrick, and his former teammate Damontae Kazee. It was reported last season that the Steelers had some interest in Neal before he signed with Tampa. Kazee and Neal came into the NFL one year apart in 2016, and 2017. Both then signed with Dallas after they left Atlanta. Kazee and Neal had the best years of their careers together their first few seasons in Atlanta. Kazee had 7 interceptions in 2018.
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