The Steelers aren’t quite 'all-in,' but this is pretty close. They’ve built one of the league’s oldest rosters with the hope that this is the year they can finally break through in the postseason. The recent addition of Jalen Ramsey proves that even more, and it gives them another Pro Bowl-caliber cornerback to help match up against the elite offenses in the NFL.
However, the trade for Ramsey has left a giant hole at safety with Minkah Fitzpatrick now off to Miami. Deshon Elliott had a career season in 2024, and the Steelers rewarded him with a new contract extension, but they are now relying on Juan Thornhill to man the other safety position. Thornhill had the worst season of his career in 2024, and his durability is a major question mark. Behind him, there isn’t a lot to be excited about, especially in a win-now season.
It only makes sense that the Steelers would turn over every stone in free agency when it comes to filling in their secondary, and there are a few names who make sense. Justin Simmons has been a popular name over the last few days, but he is another 30+ year old defensive back whose game is clearly in decline. But who else might make sense for Pittsburgh?
In a recent article by Bleacher Report, Brent Sobleski wrote about the six under-the-radar free agents still available who could impact the 2025 season. That list included Julian Blackmon, the former Indianapolis Colts safety. Here is a snippet of what Sobleski thinks of Blackmon and why he could be a steal this late into free agency:
"A case can be made that Blackmon didn't play as well in 2024 compared to the '23 season. He may have been slightly better in coverage, but the glaring missed tackles dominate the conversation. Blackmon can play either safety spot, but, again, he needs to clean up some sloppy play from last season. If that happens, a new team will land an impressive starting safety on the cheap."Brent Sobleski, Bleacher Report
The Pittsburgh Steelers could sign veteran safety Julian Blackman with Minkah Fitzpatrick gone
Blackmon turns 27 in August and has 62 starts under his belt, which would make him a more than fine option for Pittsburgh. He could compete with Thornhill for the starting job or potentially be the primary backup. Either way, he would give the Steelers adequate depth at the safety position, and he certainly wouldn’t break the bank.
Pittsburgh already has one of the league’s most expensive defenses, but they are going to rely on that unit to win them games. And with so many older veterans on the roster, it only makes sense to go all-in even further.
Blackmon isn’t going to be the difference in the Steelers winning a playoff game or not, but he would be a fantastic insurance policy for a defense that could really use one more reliable and experienced safety option.