The Pittsburgh Steelers have a long and storied history of having some of the NFL's greatest defenses. The Still Curtain defenses of the 70s are by far the most famous, but they have had several elite stretches of play in the 90s and 2000s as well.
This era of the Steelers defense doesn't have the same playoff success as their older counterparts, but they do have some of the best individual talents that have ever worn the Black and Gold.
With OTAs starting this week, new stars could begin to emerge to challenge for a place among the best defenders on the roster. For now, however, these 5 players remain the best the Steelers have to offer on defense.
Ranking the 5 best defensive players on the Pittsburgh Steelers roster
5. Minkah Fitzpatrick, S
This ranking will be one of the more polarizing ones, but Minkah Fitzpatrick hasn't been the same player that earned three All-Pro nods in his first four seasons as a Steeler. His last two seasons have been solid overall, but not good enough to justify the massive contract he received back in 2022.
The former first-round pick was a turnover machine early in his Steelers career, with 20 combined interceptions and forced fumbles during his first four seasons. Over the last two, that number has dropped to just two.
The lack of turnovers doesn't mean he is no longer an impactful player, but it's what made him one one of the best safeties in the game. Without that ball production, he is just an above average one.
4. DeShon Elliott, S
Speaking of safeties, DeShon Elliott was without a doubt the Steelers most impactful defensive back in 2024. He played all over the field in his first season in Pittsburgh, and he routinely made big plays.
His play as a run defender was especially impressive, grading out as the 8th-best safety in run defense according to Pro Football Focus. His coverage was up-and-down, but overall, he got the job done at both safety spots and in the slot.
He was also a huge bargain, making just $3 million per year on his two-year free agent deal. If he plays well again in 2025, he will cost much more if the Steelers want to retain his services.
3. Alex Highsmith, EDGE
When Alex Highsmith received his four-year, $68 million extension in 2023, some analysts and fans questioned whether he was worth a contract that size as the clear second-best edge rusher on the Steelers. Despite coming off of a 14.5 sack season, it was fair to wonder if he was just reaping the benefits of playing opposite of T.J. Watt.
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While he hasn't replicated the raw sack total he put up that season, there is no doubt that he has performed well enough to justify the big extension. The former third-round pick has 13 sacks and 126 pressures in 28 games over the past two seasons, giving tackles nightmares with his quickness and bend off the edge.
Highsmith seems to be only getting better, and a healthy 2025 could easily be his most impressive season yet.
2. Cam Heyward, IDL
I wrestled with the idea of putting Cam Heyward in the top spot of these rankings after a dominant 2024. Even though he does ultimately slot in at the No. 2 spot, his age-35 season was nothing short of remarkable.
An injury-plagued 2023 caused many to wonder if age had finally caught up with him, but the Steelers showed faith in the 2011 first-round pick by inking him to a two-year, $29 million extension before the start of last season.
He rewarded them by earning his fourth first-team All-Pro nod, racking up eight sacks and being as dominant as ever as a run defender. He has to continue to show he can keep Father Time at bay, but I certainly won't be betting against him ever again.
1. T.J. Watt, EDGE
Who else could hold this spot in the rankings but T.J. Watt? While his 2024 campaign was a bit underwhelming by his lofty standards, the Steelers defense still relied on Watt to be the tone setter every week.
His raw production may have fallen off from 2023, but he was still the biggest playmaker on the Steelers' defense. His 11.5 sacks and six forced fumbles led the team, and he was PFF's highest-graded edge defender against the run.
Watt will turn 31 during the 2025 season, so his best play may be behind him at this point. Still, Watt is the unquestioned leader of the Steelers' defense and the best player on the roster.