The Pittsburgh Steelers are set to enter the 2026 NFL season with a stronger roster on paper than they had last year. Not only did all 10 draft picks this year make the team, but general manager Omar Khan was aggressive in free agency—adding players like cornerback Jamel Dean and defensive tackle Sebastian Joseph-Day, while trading for wide receiver Michael Pittman Jr.
But as the Steelers prepare to host the Atlanta Falcons for their season opener, one glaring roster weakness remains at the safety position.
This group initially looked pretty strong on paper. The Steelers signed free agent Jaquan Brisker after a respectable four seasons in Chicago. Meanwhile, DeShon Elliott appeared set to make his return after a season-ending knee and hamstring injury, and Jalen Ramsey had some experience playing safety for Pittsburgh last season.
Unfortunately, the position looks shaky at best right now—a week ahead of the Steelers' first game.
The Pittsburgh Steelers must add depth and talent to the safety position
To the surprise of many, veteran DeShon Elliott began the season on the Reserve/Injured list, which means he will miss at least the first four games of the 2026 season. Elliott's move to IR was unexpected, considering head coach Mike McCarthy had him suit up for 19 defensive snaps in the team's second preseason game against the New York Jets.
Meanwhile, the Steelers have stressed that they want to use Ramsey as a nickel cornerback. But the aging defensive back may not have much of a choice.
With Elliott on IR, only three true safeties made the Steelers' 53-man roster: Jaquan Brisker, Rayshawn Jenkins, and rookie seventh-round pick Robert Spears-Jennings. This is not only a thin group, but it includes just one backup with zero NFL snaps under his belt.
And if we're being honest, the starters are underwhelming. Last season, Brisker graded out as the 45th-best safety in the NFL with a 64.7 overall grade from Pro Football Focus, while Jenkins, 32, hasn't earned a grade over 61.0 since the 2020 season. There's a reason Jenkins has bounced around the league on five different teams over the past six years.
In terms of starting safety pairings around the NFL, Brisker and Jenkins might rank near the bottom. Because of this, the Steelers can't afford to go into the season without added help at the position.
Promoting an inexperienced player like Sebastian Castro from the practice squad isn't going to do the trick; this team needs to find an upgrade in free agency. While it might seem like a desperation move, the Steelers may be forced to call on a veteran safety like Jordan Poyer, Quandre Diggs, or Vonn Bell to help them weather the storm at the position. McCarthy could also turn to someone like Donovan Wilson, whom he coached for years in Dallas.
The Pittsburgh Steelers are looking respectable at most positional groups heading into the season, but safety isn't one of them. If they aren't willing to play Ramsey as a safety the majority of the time, they may be forced to look for outside help at the position.
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