This is the 10th in a series on the Steelers' roster as the team prepares to report to training camp at Saint Vincent College July 23. Today: Safeties
Safeties: DeShon Elliott, Juan Thornhill, Miles Killebrew, Sebastian Castro, Quindell Johnson
By trading away Minkah Fitzpatrick in the deal to acquire defensive back Jalen Ramsey and tight end Jonnu Smith, the Steelers left themselves with just five full-time safeties on their roster.
It would stand to figure that due to the rigors of camp, adding another body at the position would make a lot of sense – unless the Steelers want to try Ramsey there first. He does have some time at free safety in his background.
We'll find out more about those plans when the team takes to the practice field late next week at Saint Vincent College.
The Steelers signed strong safety DeShon Elliott to a two-year contract extension beyond this year after his stellar season in 2024, his first with the team.
Elliott recorded a career-high 108 tackles, including four for a loss, six pass breakups, an interception, two forced fumbles and three fumble recoveries. He always seemed to find the ball.
Thornhill, 29, had eight interceptions in his first four seasons in Kansas City before recording none the past two seasons in 22 games – all starts – in Cleveland.
The Steelers hope the change in scenery will help Thornhill regain his ball-hawking ways.
Behind those two is where things get more interesting.
All-Pro special teams player and Steelers special teams captain Miles Killebrew draws all kinds of attention from opposing teams when he steps on the field. But he's also played sparingly in defense during his previous four seasons with the Steelers.
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It's not that he can't play more, but the former second-round pick of the Lions has made five career starts, including one for the Steelers, and at 32 years old, those days could be behind him.
The Steelers signed rookie Sebastian Castro soon after the draft and may have gotten a steal, likely because Castro is already 25. But he had a draftable grade and was a heat-seaking missile at Iowa.
"We've sent quite a few defensive backs to the league over the past few years," said Iowa head coach Kirk Ferentz. "And Sebastian is as talented as any of them. I think he'll do well there."
Second-year pro Quindell Johnson also came into the NFL undrafted out of Memphis. He's spent time with the Rams, 49ers and Bears, but has appeared in just three games.
Adding another experienced body to the group obviously wouldn't hurt – dependent on how the Steelers plan on using Ramsey.
