5 most underrated moves of the Steelers offseason

2. Steelers signed veteran Keanu Neal

The Steelers have had some interesting turnover in the secondary this offseason, and while I expect there to be some growing pains, I do like this group overall. Keanu Neal, in particular, was a solid addition on the cheap, as he can fill multiple roles for this defense.

Neal is a strong safety by trade, and I expect to see him play there on early downs given his ability to stop the run. This will also potentially allow Damontae Kazee to work in the slot on occasion. Considering this defense is lacking capable bodies there, that would be a huge win for this team.

Where I really want to see him play is as a subpackage linebacker for this defense. Neal is a defender who plays best close to the line of scrimmage. He is a hard hitter and a good run defender, but his coverage skills are lacking. While he won’t be a pure linebacker like Dallas tried to make him, I do expect to see him get some work there on passing downs.

Considering the off-ball linebacker room is so shallow and is lacking coverage-capable players, Neal can help alleviate some of those issues. I expect him to be a regular contributor on this defense and deliver some big hits once the season begins.

No, this isn’t the Neal of old who was seen as a rising defender in the league and a potential superstar. Injuries took some of that away. What the Steelers are getting is a solid veteran that can fill a few voids for this defense. I expect to see him all over the field, and he was a good get at his price.