Steelers Silently Aren't Happy With 1 Position: "They're Just Saying That"

The Pittsburgh Steelers recently traded star safety Minkah Fitzpatrick back to the Miami Dolphins, creating a noticeable void at the safety position in the Steel City. Since the trade, everyone has been debating whether the Steelers will look to bring in a new player to fill the void, or rely on someone already within the organization to step up.

Some believe that safety Juan Thornhill could be the answer to filling this void left by Fitzpatrick. However, Steelers insider Mark Kaboly appears to think otherwise. During a recent appearance on 93.7 The Fan, Kaboly weighed in on the Steelers’ current safety situation. When asked whether the team would explore external options to strengthen the position, his response made it clear he’s not convinced Thornhill is the solution.

"I don't believe, they believe Juan Thornhill is the guy. They're just saying that," Kaboly said. 

Thornhill joined the Steelers earlier this offseason in March on a one-year deal, bringing valuable experience and athleticism to the secondary. He’s a former second-round pick who started for both the Kansas City Chiefs and the Cleveland Browns, even contributing to the Chiefs’ 2020 Super Bowl win. Known for his ability to play both free and strong safety, as well as drop into the slot, he gives Pittsburgh flexibility and depth on defense. While he hasn’t been used much on special teams in the past, his speed and athleticism could help him thrive under the NFL’s new kickoff rules as well.

While the exact reason behind Fitzpatrick's trade remains unclear, reports have revealed that the Steelers were not actively trying to shop him originally. However, Fitzpatrick's recent seasons have not lived up to the high standards he set earlier in his career. As a result, it appears that the organization made the tough decision that he no longer aligned with their long-term plan. Rather than trying to force a fit, the Steelers decided to change the roster in a way they believe will better set the team up for future success, while also avoiding contract negotiation issues.

Thornhill isn’t the only notable safety on the Steelers’ roster. They also have DeShon Elliott, who recently signed a contract extension with the team. Earlier in the offseason, Kaboly described Elliott as "money well spent" and suggested he could be exactly what the Steelers need, and this was said even before the Fitzpatrick trade. Kaboly’s comments don’t mean the Steelers will definitely look for a new safety outside the team, but they do suggest it’s something they might consider as they figure out the best way to fill the safety position.

The Steelers have also been connected to several other external safeties around the NFL. One notable name is free agent Justin Simmons, who could potentially be a strong fit for Pittsburgh’s defense. Steelers General Manager Omar Khan has recently received praise for his open-minded approach to available players, and it seems Simmons would be no exception.

The Steelers Look Different This Year

This mindset by Khan is clearly reflected in the moves he has made so far. The Steelers’ current roster looks significantly different compared to last year’s lineup, showing a clear shift in strategy. Khan has been carefully balancing the mix of experienced veterans with promising young rookies, aiming to keep the team competitive in the present, while simultaneously laying the groundwork for long-term success. This approach allows the Steelers to navigate a rebuilding phase without losing their ability to compete now.

As a result, there is a lot of pressure on these players to perform at a high level. Everyone will be watching closely to see how this new group of talent meshes together and operates as a cohesive unit. With major changes made on both offense and defense, the roster certainly looks strong on paper. However, only once the season begins will we truly know if all the hard work and changes have paid off.

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