Steelers' Damontae Kazee Gets Honest About 2023 Secondary: [Minkah Fitzpatrick] "Got Beat Up"

The Pittsburgh Steelers have had an uncharacteristic offseason, which has come with a lot of new additions to the roster. The organization made its biggest free agent signing ever by bringing in Patrick Queen. They also signed Russell Wilson before trading for Justin Fields. Moves like these have overshadowed another important defensive addition, DeShon Elliott, who is expected to see a lot of playing time at safety.

Pittsburgh learned the importance of depth in the defensive backfield during the 2023 season. They watched Damontae Kazee get suspended, Minkah Fitzpatrick deal with injury, and Keanu Neal get placed on Injured Reserve. The safety group was picked apart, as was the rest of the defense. The Steelers added Elliott this offseason, who is a starting-caliber player, to help in run support and round out the safety group. Kazee spoke about the addition Elliott, and what he brings to the team.

"It's good 'cause you need a big body in the box for the runs and stuff. Last year, the boy Mink [Fitzpatrick] got beat up there, so I think it's a good deal that he's up there."

Fitzpatrick had his worst season in 2023 since he joined the Steelers. He struggled with injuries throughout the year, and the rest of the defense was constantly hurt, which forced him to play in uncomfortable situations even when he was healthy. He was forced to play in the box more often, when it reality he is best when he gets to play his center-field role and read what the offense is doing. Elliott is known for his tackling abilities, so he can take some of the pressure of defending the run game off of Fitzpatrick.

Elliott has played five seasons in the NFL, starting his career with the Baltimore Ravens, but also playing for the Detroit Lions and Miami Dolphins. In his five-year career, Elliott has recored nearly 300 tackles, three interceptions, three forced fumbles and 12 tackles for loss. He is a safety who isn't afraid to come up into the box and play the run, which he does effectively. 

He is an under-the-radar safety who has made a positive impact in the league over the last several seasons. He is effective and reliable, boasting a missed tackle percentage of below 10 throughout his career. It's unclear at this point if Elliott will be completely taking over the starting duties for Kazee, or if the two will split time. There will certainly be packages where they are both on the field at the same time, but Elliott's effectiveness in the run game makes him more valuable. 

The Steelers had a pattern of acquiring their rival's former players during the 2024 offseason. During his time in Baltimore, Elliott struggled a bit with injuries. He has since been signing one-year deals. He inked a two-year deal with Pittsburgh in 2024, and seems to hope he is here for the long haul.

Steelers' DeShon Elliott Will Allow Minkah Fitzpatrick To Return To Dominant Form

Fitzpatrick has been nothing but a star during his time in Pittsburgh. He has been named a First-Team All-Pro safety five times, but had his worst season with the black and gold in 2023. He led the league in interceptions in 2022, but his production dropped dramatically in 2023 due to injury. Elliott's arrival will alleviate some of that pressure off of Fitzpatrick, which should allow him to return to form.

The perennial All-Pro was stuck playing the run a lot in 2023, which forced him to move away from his natural role as the defense's 'center-fielder'. Elliott is now that safety that can play up in the box, and give Fitzpatrick the freedom to roam around. He may even be able to get back to leading the league in interceptions again in 2024. With his ability to free up Fitzpatrick, Elliott might prove to be one of the more important offseason additions.

What do you think about Kazee's comments? Let us know in the comments below!

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