Steelers Safety And Former Ravens DB DeShon Elliott Says Pittsburgh "Feels Like Home"

The Pittsburgh Steelers' safety depth was decimated last season due to injuries. General Manager Omar Khan made a point of adding to the position room this offseason to make sure that the team doesn't have to deal with issues at safety again in 2024. While DeShon Elliott wasn't the flashiest signing, he's a hard-hitting safety that understands AFC North football and should fit in perfectly with Pittsburgh's defense. Elliott, Damontae Kazee and Minkah Fitzpatrick all offer unique skill sets at the safety position, but they all have one thing in common: they like to hit. 

Pittsburgh's secondary hasn't exactly been great over the past few seasons. Fitzpatrick has been a staple of the Steelers' defense, but he can't do everything on his own. Joey Porter Jr.'s emergence was much needed as Pittsburgh has an overall lack of depth on the back end of the defense. Elliott, Kazee and newly acquired cornerback Donte Jackson might not be the stars of the Steelers' secondary, but their performances will be extremely important. 

Elliott was drafted by the Baltimore Ravens, where he spent his first four seasons as a pro before stints with the Detroit Lions and Miami Dolphins. His AFC North experience should not be overlooked. That division notoriously plays a physical brand of football more so than most in the NFL. Elliott's press conference after he signed with the Steelers said a lot about him and his style of play. He's a no nonsense guy that plays the game in a very physical manner. Elliott talked about going from Baltimore to Pittsburgh in an interview with KDKA after a training camp practice in Latrobe.

"I got drafted there [Baltimore], so for those first four years, it was home. I always was excited to play here [Pittsburgh]. I was all excited when we played those away games here, but being on the other side of it, I'm way more blessed to be here. I feel great being here. It feels like home for me. It feels like this is where I belong, so I want to work my butt off to be able to play here as long as I can."

Elliott is clearly excited to get back to playing AFC North football and get a chance to wear the Black and Gold. Pittsburgh's secondary is now full of guys that are all about AFC North football. Kazee hits harder than just about anybody, Fitzpatrick has proven to be not only one of the best safeties in football, but one of the most physical. Cornerback Porter Jr. practically grew up in the AFC North because of his father, and Jackson looks like he'll be able to fit right in as well.

The Steelers' Defense Is Going To Be A Physical Unit This Season

Defensive Coordinator Teryl Austin's defense that features TJ Watt, Cam Heyward and Alex Highsmith to name a few, will have a great mix of skill and physicality. Pittsburgh has a number of players on the defense that have spent time on other AFC North teams. Defensive lineman Larry Ogunjobi played for the Cleveland Browns and Cincinnati Bengals before signing with Pittsburgh, and Patrick Queen spent four seasons with the Ravens before he signed a three-year deal with the Steelers this offseason. 

The stellar front seven of the team's defense will make the secondary's jobs much easier. With edge rushers Watt and Highsmith, and defensive linemen Heyward and Keeanu Benton being able to put pressure on the quarterback, Pittsburgh's defensive backs won't be asked to cover as long as other team's defensive backs. If Pittsburgh's secondary improves from last season, they can return the favor to the front seven by creating a few more coverage sacks.

Elliott and Queen getting comfortable in Pittsburgh after watching them play in Baltimore is definitely fun, but it will only get better when the Steelers get into their late season schedule packed with AFC North matchups.

Do you think Elliott will have a productive first season with the Steelers? Let us know in the comments below!

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