There are some areas of weakness on the Pittsburgh Steelers roster as they prepare for training camp. While the safety position has its starters set in place, the depth behind them is scarce. Don't be shocked if the team targets a free agent or two before the regular season begins to help boost their depth chart. This is one of the key needs that the Steelers should focus on solving.
According to a new report by Mike Garafolo of NFL Network, a new free agent option might be a reliable solution.
Garafolo tweeted out that veteran safety Jordan Whitehead was cleared to resume his football career after recovering from prior neck surgery. Whitehead is an intriguing defensive back with a wealth of experience who should garner plenty of interest as a healthy free agent.
One of the most interesting factors in connecting Whitehead and the Steelers is his local ties. Pittsburgh is his hometown. He grew up here, went to high school at Central Valley, and attended the University of Pittsburgh. His hometown Steelers could use some help at his position, and with the local ties the team has added to the organization this offseason, this would be the cherry on top.
Pittsburgh Steelers could add free agent Jordan Whitehead to help boost their roster
Reviewing the current roster of safeties on the Steelers as they head to training camp, it leaves something to be desired.
Yes, their starters are set with guys like DeShon Elliott, Jaquan Brisker, and Jalen Ramsey, if you consider him a player at the position. Other than those options, Pittsburgh is relying on late-round draft picks, former undrafted players, and NFL journeymen to compete for spots.
The depth behind their starters is laughable, and the Steelers should consider signing a free agent to help ease those concerns. Jordan Whitehead makes too much sense for them not to consider signing onto their team. Not only would he be an immediate upgrade over their current options lower on the depth chart, but he is a reliable choice to start games in case injuries start to pile up.
Factoring in the local Pittsburgh ties that Whitehead has, it's no secret that you can connect the dots between the Steelers and this free agent. The biggest hurdle would be if Whitehead located another team willing to pay more and provide him a starting role.
There are teams already showing interest in Whitehead, so if the Steelers want to sign him, they'd better hurry up and give his agent a call.
The veteran safety hasn't played professional football since 2024, when he started 12 games with the Buccaneers. Pittsburgh could use its local NFL product to help boost its roster this season, but the demand might make this hometown reunion challenging.
