Steelers 2024 Roster vs. Predicted 2025 Roster, Safety Edition

The safety room initially seemed like one that might receive minimal attention during the offseason, as the Steelers appeared to have their starters set with Minkah Fitzpatrick and DeShon Elliott, who was coming off a career year in his first season with the black and gold. However, the blockbuster trade that sent Fitzpatrick out changed everything. The team lost a future Hall of Fame ball hawk without making a major splash to replace him directly.

There are two caveats to that statement. First, while Jalen Ramsey was acquired in the trade and is primarily a cornerback, he is one of the most versatile defenders in the NFL and will likely see plenty of time at safety this season. Second, even though it may seem like a downgrade in the safety room, it makes sense to dedicate resources to the cornerback position instead, especially if safeties are not producing splash plays or justifying top-tier salaries.

The more I think about this trade, the more comfortable I feel with moving on from a player like Minkah. He has been a joy to watch over the past five years, but from a roster-building perspective, the move makes sense.

Minkah Fitzpatrick vs Deshon Elliot

Minkah Fitzpatrick is always going to be a good football player and, more often than not, one of the best in the league when playing for the Steelers. However, when you pay a safety top dollar, as Minkah was set to receive from the Steelers, you expect splash plays. Over the past two seasons, he recorded just one interception, which was far below the standard we’ve come to expect from him.

You could certainly argue that teams were avoiding him at all costs, which does matter, but for that position in particular, you have to find ways to get your hands on the ball regardless. That’s the expectation when you’re being paid at the top of the market. Once those game-changing plays dried up, Minkah remained a solid all-around player, but he was no longer cost-effective.

DeShon Elliott, on the other hand, earned every bit of his new two-year, $12 million extension. He was one of the best run-defending safeties in the league last year and possibly had one of the most efficient tackling seasons ever. With a 97.3 percent success rate, he made 108 of 111 tackles. He was a revelation for the black and gold and arguably a top-three player on the defensive side of the ball, which says a lot considering the talent around him.

As for splash plays, Elliott recorded one interception and forced two fumbles. For his contract value, that’s solid production. He also held his own in pass coverage during his first year with the Steelers, rounding out a well-balanced performance.

Heading into 2025, I would still say Fitzpatrick is the better player as of now, and that shouldn’t be a controversial take. However, if Elliott puts together another strong year and Fitzpatrick continues to fall short of splash production, we can revisit this discussion next August.

Grade: Worse

Deshon Elliott vs Juan Thornhill

We’ve already discussed DeShon Elliott at length, so there’s no need to rehash everything. After 2024, we now know he’s a baller. As for Juan Thornhill, he’s expected to serve as the centerfielder, taking on some of the responsibilities that Minkah Fitzpatrick used to handle, such as keeping everything in front of him. He will also likely lose some snaps to Jalen Ramsey, who, as mentioned earlier, is expected to play some safety this season.

Thornhill is a seasoned veteran who has been around the league and delivered serviceable play during his time with both the Browns and Chiefs. In his last two seasons under Andy Reid, he logged over 1,000 snaps and was a key contributor to two Super Bowl wins in Kansas City. His stint in Cleveland was less productive, and he didn’t quite replicate the level of play he had at Arrowhead. That said, there’s a strong argument that the situation in Cleveland didn’t set him up for success.

This season offers Thornhill a valuable opportunity to land on his feet and recapture some of the form from his earlier years, while also working to extend his NFL career.

Grade: Worse

Damontae Kazee vs Chuck Clark

Kazee spent three years with the Steelers and was productive, but there’s no doubt his time in Pittsburgh came with ups and downs. After a 2024 season where his playing time significantly decreased due to the emergence of DeShon Elliott, he has now moved on. There’s no debating his ability to get his hands on the ball and force turnovers, but his inconsistent play made it difficult for him to fully flourish when given opportunities by the Steelers.

As training camp has progressed, the Steelers have brought in their depth option for the safety room for the 2025 season: seven-year veteran Chuck Clark. Clark brings 75 career starts to the table, most of them in the AFC North, adding valuable experience to the group. When comparing the two profiles, Clark may offer more across the board and provide a steadier level of play. However, in terms of splash plays, Damontae Kazee has been one of the more productive safeties in the league.

Grade: Wash

Miles Killebrew vs Miles Killebrew

At 32 years old, Miles Killebrew has been one of the Steelers’ best free agent signings, despite starting just one game on defense during his time with the team. Last season, he played only 17 defensive snaps, but that’s not why he continues to make the roster. Killebrew is undeniably one of the best all-around special teamers in the league and will likely be in contention for another Pro Bowl nod and a captaincy role this season.

He blocks punts more often than most players and consistently makes the right play at the right time. His impact on special teams has been invaluable, and the Steelers will be hoping that continues for another season.

Grade: Wash

To wrap this up, the Steelers’ safety room is, without question, less talented this year following the departure of Minkah Fitzpatrick. However, I want to reiterate that I don’t think it’s the end of the world to downgrade at this position group if it means strengthening others in the process, especially when considering the overall value and resource allocation.

With that being said, let us know what you think about the group heading into the 2025 season.