Likely losing the bid on free agent S Malik Hooker, the Pittsburgh Steelers still have options available that could boost their depth at safety.
As speed kills in football, so does the speculation on news for fans. For example, nearly a week ago, reports were released that a big announcement would be coming for the Pittsburgh Steelers, and on queue came the projections.
Would it be the signing of S Malik Hooker or perhaps, the dismantled relationship between Pittsburgh and former Steelers CB Steven Nelson has been restored for Nelson’s return to the Burgh in 2021? At the time, the thoughts seemed reasonable, but after recent news dropped that both will be headed to their respective teams in the NFC East, we had to turn our heads elsewhere.
Maybe it was the retirement of LB Vince Williams? An abrupt, shocking end, the gnawing for an answer became a moment to reminiscence a player’s career that embodied every element of the Black and Gold. However, the situation remains that the Steelers are still in need of depth at the safety position and free agency may still be able to provide.
Steelers initial depth chart shows uncertainty past its starters
After the recent release of the Steelers initial depth chart, the safety position reads as such:
Free Safety:
Starter: Minkah Fitzpatrick
FS2: Tre Norwood
FS3: Donovan Stiner
Strong safety:
Safety: Terrell Edmunds
SS2: Miles Killebrew
SS3: Lamont Wade
Headlined by Fitzpatrick and Edmunds, a duo that collectively had their best season yet in 2020, the drop-off is significant. Backed by three rookies and Killebrew, who has five starts over his five-year career in the NFL, there isn’t much to be sure about.
Likely to withhold from any trade and still at the dawn of training camp, two names that stand out in free agency that could bring an initial boost to the Steelers safety position are Kenny Vaccaro and Tre Boston. Both seasoned veterans to the NFL, each are coming off the release of their former teams in which they started at least 13 games or more in 2020 and still have the ability to contribute in some manner.