He will be on most 53-man roster predictions this preseason, but Miles Killebrew shouldn't be confident with his spot. The Pittsburgh Steelers have employed the veteran special-teams ace for four years, highlighted by two Pro Bowl nominations since 2023. He has been terrific in the third phase of football, but the veteran fails to produce any impact at the safety position.
Killebrew is a fantastic locker room presence for the Steelers, but his lack of skill at his "natural" position is troublesome. His lack of plays on defense hasn't affected his roster status before, but that will dwindle in time. Pittsburgh should pay close attention to those behind Killebrew on the depth chart who could push the veteran for his job. Nothing is safe when training camp arrives.
Mike Tomlin loves the special-teams demon, but the safeties time is running thin.
If a young and upcoming player shows he can handle his own on special teams and produce a quality depth option at the safety position, Killebrew could be on his way off the team. Training camp will be where the veteran earns his job, but he shouldn't feel comfortable heading into the preseason process.
Pittsburgh Steelers could make a surprising roster cut with Miles Killebrew
The Steelers just traded away Minkah Fitzpatrick, which should help Killebrew's cause for making the team. The depth behind him is scarce right now, but General Manager Omar Khan might add to the position. If Pittsburgh acquires another quality safety or two before Week 1 of the regular season, it could spell doom for the veteran. His roster spot is clear if Khan fails to add talent to the depth chart.
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Killebrew has been a fantastic player for the Steelers, but he comes at a significant cost. He focuses on special teams, as he has only started one game in Pittsburgh during his four seasons. That is low for a team that has struggled to find answers at the position at times during his tenure. If they decide to cut the safety from the roster, it will save the team $3.2 million in cap space.
There aren't too many options that rival Killebrew heading into training camp on the roster.
The Steelers have a handful of unproven players who must outwork the veteran for a roster spot. Sebastian Castro is the biggest hurdle Killebrew must overcome. The undrafted free agent has talent and could play at the strong safety position if called upon. He must bypass his veteran competition to have a shot at making the team.
Numerous questions surrounding the safety position after the Fitzpatrick trade could sway this decision. If Khan pulls off another trade or adds a free agent to fill the starting void, it will put Killebrew's roster spot in jeopardy. Castro will battle with him during camp, but it'll be difficult for the rookie to emerge victorious. He shouldn't be sweating bullets, but Killebrew shouldn't be confident.