The Pittsburgh Steelers are now in the waiting days between mandatory minicamp and training camp. The expectation is that the front office will use this time to get some deals done, including extending star pass rusher and All-Pro, TJ Watt. Of course, there are other players looking for new deals, and maybe some trade negotiations going on behind the scenes. Watt seems to be priority number one, however. That doesn't mean his deal will get done first though, as recent news proves otherwise.
Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers
Pittsburgh Steelers General Manager Omar Khan.
Pittsburgh Post-Gazette's Gerry Dulac recently reported that DeShon Elliott has received a new three-year, $15.5 million deal.
Steelers giving S DeShon Elliott a new three-year, $15.5 million deal, per sources. Elliott had one more year on a two-year deal signed in 2024 free agency. He was a pleasant surprise and key contributor in their defense.
— Gerry Dulac (@gerrydulac) June 17, 2025
Elliott quickly became a fan favorite after his first season with the Steelers. He recorded 108 tackles, six passes defended, and three fumble recoveries in 2024. He had one year left on his deal, and the front office clearly saw no reason to risk losing him in free agency. The new star safety in Pittsburgh is now locked into the team through the 2027 season.
Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers
Pittsburgh Steelers safety DeShon Elliott tackling Baltimore Ravens running back Derrick Henry in the 2024 Wild Card Round of the playoffs.
The interesting thing about this extension is the guaranteed money. Out of $12.5 million, more than three-quarters of it is guaranteed. The Steelers usually don't do guarantees past the first year of a deal, especially for a player this cheap, but they went ahead and got it done for Elliott to make sure he stays in the Black and Gold.
This deal was an absolute steal for the Steelers. $6.25 million per year for two years for a key contributor like Elliott is a bargain. Maybe the percentage of that money being guaranteed swayed him to sign the contract, but that is such a good deal for Pittsburgh, fans in the Steel City should be enthusiastic. The team keeps a major piece of the defense around for the long-term future in his prime, while still having enough money to pay for other players at key positions during that timeframe.
Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers
Steelers' DeShon Elliott makes a tackle during a win over the Cleveland Browns in 2024.
Is The Steelers' Latest Deal A New Trend For The Team?
If the Steelers can get deals like this done regularly, they could keep loading up on amazing talent all over the place. Some players are willing to sacrifice total money to get more guaranteed money, and that could be a compromise that the league could quickly catch on with. It may not work with Watt, but other key contributors could take deals like this.
What do you think about Elliott's new deal? Let us know in the comments or on X at @Steelers_ChrisB.
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