4 Steelers training camp battles nobody is talking about

Steelers backup safeties

The Steelers had quite a few secondary needs this offseason, and their strategy was a quantity over quality approach to the position. While slot cornerback is garnering the most national attention (and rightfully so), the safety depth chart is a bit of a mess as well. While both of the starters are securely set, who will line up behind them and play in case of injury is another story entirely.

To be fair, both of the players listed under the nickel category are also likely safeties at the end of the day. Antoine Brooks should be the primary strong safety behind Terrell Edmunds, so that position isn’t as big of a concern. As for free safety though, this group is a complete mess at this point in camp. Considering how important Minkah Fitzpatrick is for this defense, having a capable reserve is a must here.

Considering the Steelers’ earlier interests in a better backup safety, it is likely that a more experienced body joins the team by way of free agency, trade, or camp cutdown. Until then, this area is a big question mark, and the team has no clear answer as to what they should do. Both of their listed backups are low-round/undrafted rookies and the next most logical option is Arthur Maulet, but he has proven to be a better slot player than traditional free safety. This competition is wide open, and it is important that the Steelers find a capable backup here.