It's the first week of padded practices at Pittsburgh Steelers training camp, and there's a different feeling around the team this year. Between a new coaching staff and an offseason that saw the roster improve in several key areas, there's plenty of excitement about what this team could become.
For the last few years under Mike Tomlin, a lot of fans felt like they already knew what to expect. The team was competitive, but things had become stale, and there wasn't much optimism that anything would be different.
So far, that hasn't been the case under Mike McCarthy. The early reviews from training camp have been positive, with players, coaches, media, and fans all pointing out how different things look on both offense and defense compared to the previous regime.
The Steelers also appear to have much better depth across the roster, especially on the defensive side of the ball. But if there's one position that has continued to draw questions throughout the offseason and into training camp, it's the safety group. McCarthy acknowledged as much, saying the team is continuing to evaluate ways to improve the room.
Those comments don't necessarily mean a move is imminent, but they do make you stop and wonder whether the Steelers could still have another addition in mind before the regular season gets underway. With most of the roster looking solid on paper, safety remains one of the few positions that feels like it could still use another proven piece.
Could McCarthy's comments hint at the Pittsburgh Steelers making a move for a free safety during training camp?
The Steelers' safety room currently features a group of players who have more experience and success playing closer to the line of scrimmage rather than as true deep-field defenders. That has created some questions about whether the team has the right personnel to fill the free safety role in Patrick Graham's new defensive scheme.
DeShon Elliott, who landed on injured reserve last season after suffering a season-ending knee injury in Week 12, is still working his way back to full health. Meanwhile, Jalen Ramsey, who took on a significant role at free safety last season, is currently sidelined after suffering a knee injury during minicamp.
With a new defensive coordinator in Graham, Ramsey is expected to be used as a versatile chess piece, moving around the formation and lining up in multiple spots. While he could see snaps at free safety, much of his workload is expected to come in the slot and as a hybrid defender.
The Steelers also added Jaquan Brisker this offseason, bringing in the Pittsburgh native on a one-year deal after he spent the first part of his career with the Chicago Bears. Brisker is currently listed as a free safety on the depth chart, but his skill set has traditionally been better suited closer to the box. He's a physical safety who can make an impact near the line of scrimmage, but he hasn't necessarily been known as a true ballhawk or a defender who excels playing deep coverage.
Pittsburgh also drafted Robert Spears-Jennings in the seventh round as another option at free safety, but the position still appears to be something the team is monitoring. McCarthy spoke to the media and acknowledged that when discussing the safety room.
"I think you make an excellent point. I think it’s clearly some of the conversations we’ve been in, as far as the range of our safeties, and then also that carries over to Danny Crossman and how we’re going to utilize those DBs on special teams. So yes, the point is well made, and it’s definitely something we’re looking at."
Those comments stand out because they suggest the Steelers recognize they may not have a true free safety option with the range and coverage ability they're looking for. It doesn't necessarily mean a move is coming, but it does leave the door open for the team to explore its options.
The free-agent market is limited at this point, meaning Pittsburgh's options could come through a trade or by waiting to see which players become available once roster cuts begin. With training camp underway, the safety position will be one of the more interesting areas to monitor as the Steelers determine whether the current group is enough or if another addition is needed before the season begins.
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