The Pittsburgh Steelers' defense was a strong unit in 2024, even if the unit took a dive during their five-game losing streak to finish the season. It was mostly the usual suspects that made them one of the best defenses in the league, with Cam Heyward and T.J. Watt both earning Pro Bowl and All-Pro honors.
While the Steelers' stars led the way, one of their biggest contributors was a bargain-bin free agent who broke out in year six.
DeShon Elliott signed for just $6 million over two years following a strong season for the Miami Dolphins in 2023, and he immediately became one of the best players on the Steelers' defense. The team clearly feels that he can repeat his strong play in 2025 and beyond, as they have rewarded him with a two-year extension worth $12.5 million, according to NFL Network's Tom Pelissero.
Pittsburgh Steelers put their trust in DeShon Elliott with new contract extension
The Steelers have always been good about paying players who show they can thrive in their system, and few free agents during the Mike Tomlin era have come in and proved they can do that better than Elliott last season.
He was a solid cover safety, but where he truly shone was as a run defender. Among safeties with at least 300 snaps in run defense, he had the fourth-highest run defense grade, according to Pro Football Focus. He was also incredibly consistent as a tackler, missing just two tackles all season.
The Steelers' secondary was a disappointment overall in 2024, with Joey Porter Jr. failing to make a second-year leap and Minkah Fitzpatrick continuing to regress. Elliott saved the group from being one of the league's worst, and they rightfully rewarded him for it with this new contract.
The deal is a sizable upgrade from the deal he signed in 2024, but it still ranks outside the top 25 in yearly salary for the position. If the former sixth-round pick plays at the level he did last season in 2025, the contract will have already paid for itself before it even kicks in.