The Pittsburgh Steelers have now completed their first round of training camp practices, and they were unfortunately missing a few names from their secondary. Jalen Ramsey, Joey Porter Jr., and Donte Kent were all placed on the Physically Unable to Perform list to start camp, leaving the backend of the defense without two key starters and a promising young player.
Add in the fact that safety DeShon Elliott is still working his way back to full speed after his devastating knee injury last year, and it was becoming clear that they could use some veteran help at the position. On Saturday, they found that help in safety Rayshawn Jenkins, signing him to a one-year deal according to multiple sources. The 10-year vet played for the division rival Cleveland Browns in 2025, and he will now make the short trip east to wear the black and gold.
Jenkins is no longer the starting caliber safety he was in his prime for the Chargers and Jaguars, but he brings more proven ability than any of the depth behind Elliott and Jaquan Brisker. Now, the question is whether this is a short-term move or one that will last into the regular season.
The Pittsburgh Steelers would be wise to give Rayshawn Jenkins a real shot at the third safety spot
Heading into camp, one of the most questionable positions on the Steelers' roster was at safety. The starters, assuming they are both healthy, are solid. Brisker and Elliott are both experienced players who bring physicality and sound coverage ability to the table, even if neither is a star. Ramsey also could figure into the rotation again once he is back healthy, but it seems like he will be the primary nickel defender this season.
Behind them, it was really just former first-rounder Darnell Savage, who has struggled in recent years after a hot start to his career, and unproven players in rookie seventh-round pick Robert Spears-Jennings and 2025 UDFA pickup Sebastian Castro.
Even if injuries are what prompted the Steelers to sign Jenkins, he feels like a sounder backup to Elliott and Brisker than any of their current options. He has played nearly identical snaps at both safety positions in his career as well, so he should be comfortable filling whatever role is asked of him.
His age (32) and declining play are red flags, but unless Savage regains his early-career form or one of the young guys can quickly prove themselves, Jenkins could be sticking around even after their injury issues start to clear up.
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