The Pittsburgh Steelers were thin in the safety department as the NFL's legal tampering period began on Monday. After releasing Keanu Neal due to a failed physical, Minkah Fitzpatrick and Damontae Kazee were the only two legitimate options on the depth chart with Trenton Thompson also still around. General Manager Omar Khan has been relatively aggressive during free agency and he started it off with a shocking signing of quarterback Russell Wilson. Now, the organization is bolstering the safety unit with an agreement between them and DeShon Elliott to join forces.
Trevor Ruszkowski / USA Today
Steelers general manager, Omar Khan speaks to members of the media at the 2023 NFL Scouting Combine in Indianapolis, IN. Photo Credit: Trevor Ruszkowski / USA Today
According to Jordan Schultz of Bleacher Report, the former Miami Dolphins safety will be coming to the Steel City on a two-year deal that's only worth about $6 million.
Breaking: Free agent safety DeShon Elliott is signing with the #Steelers for 2 years $6M, source tells @BleacherReport.
— Jordan Schultz (@Schultz_Report) March 14, 2024
Elliott also spent a season with the Detroit Lions. Prior to that stint, he was with AFC North rival, the Baltimore Ravens from 20219 to 2021. He was drafted in the sixth round of the 2019 NFL Draft.
DeShon Elliott comes off a career-high 7 PBUs and an INT with the #Dolphins last season. Nice addition for the #Steelers’ secondary. https://t.co/h5HgEWu44Z pic.twitter.com/GiXKyUfxps
— Jordan Schultz (@Schultz_Report) March 14, 2024
It's certainly a good move by the Steelers. Safety depth was needed and now Elliott will join Fitzpatrick and Kazee. This continues the trend of Khan aggressively addressing the team's biggest needs. Elliott started 15 games in 2023 for Miami and will fit in nicely with Kazee and Fitzpatrick. It's no secret that Head Coach Mike Tomlin has enjoyed rotating three safeties in recent years.
Jordan Schofield / SteelerNation (Twitter / x: @JSKO_PHOTO)
Pittsburgh Steelers safety, Minkah Fitzpatrick (#39) participates during 2022 training camp at the team's South Side facility.
This, unfortunately, could end fans' hopes of landing Denver Broncos superstar safety, Justin Simmons. Pittsburgh may elect to add to the position late in the draft so Thompson has some competition, but it seems as if they will likely be rather satisfied with their top three entering the new league year. This is a very cap-friendly signing, so Khan and co. will continue to have plenty of cash to spend if they so choose.
Throughout his career, Elliott has 287 tackles, 17 passes defended and three interceptions. He's not going to wow anybody with his play on the field, but is a nice addition to a group that needed some more depth. The Steelers were looking to move on a safety, and the front office has finally come to an agreement with a veteran that has plenty of experience.
DeShon Elliott isn't going to be a major contributor on turnovers, but with 266 snaps in the box last year and 279 the year before, can see him as the traditional strong safety who helps let Minkah Fitzpatrick get back to his centerfielding free safety role. #Steelers
— Christopher Carter (@CarterCritiques) March 14, 2024
It will be crucial in 2024 to get Fitzpatrick back to his old ways. He didn't have a single interception in 2023, and despite injuries, it was not ideal from the former All-Pro. Pittsburgh must see Elliott as a nice partner-in-crime for Fitzpatrick. Fans can also expect Kazee to continue to be involved on defense with the trio all getting significant time, led by Fitzpatrick. Elliott will presumably take over for Neal.
Jordan Schofield / SteelerNation (Twitter / X: @JSKO_PHOTO)
Steelers safety, Damontae Kazee stretches on the field during 2022 training camp at St. Vincent College in Latrobe, PA.
Steelers Lurking With Plenty Of Money Still To Spend
Khan has likely decided to not use the money available to him on a guy like Simmons. That does not mean, however, that another big move like the addition of Patrick Queen isn't coming. There are still glaring holes at wide receiver, on both sides of the line and cornerback. Despite the big move to get Queen, his cap hit in 2024 will only be $6.13 million. Trust the process, Steeler Nation. Khan is cooking something up, and it should be something big. He has to move rather quickly, though. Free agents are flying off the board fast.
Do you like the signing of Elliott? Let us know in the comments below!
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