The Pittsburgh Steelers developed somewhat of a hole at the safety position after their latest trade. Minkah Fitzpatrick was shipped off, which hurt the depth of the unit. New defensive back Jalen Ramsey is expected to help there somewhat, but there is still a lack of solidified talent at the position. Juan Thornhill has starter potential, but has been injured a lot lately, which is why he was signed to an extremely team-friendly deal. The organization is likely looking around for more help at the position now.
Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers
Pittsburgh Steelers' safety Juan Thornhill during Day 2 of mandatory minicamp in 2025.
There is now a new option for the Steelers on the open market. NFL insider Adam Schefter recently reported that a quality depth option was released from the San Francisco 49ers.
49ers have released S George Odum, who played in 40 games over three seasons with the team, registering 14 tackles, five passes defensed and one interception, while adding 36 tackles on special teams.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) July 19, 2025
George Odum has played seven years in the NFL, with the last three being with the 49ers. He is a two-time All-Pro, including one First-Team appearance back in 2020 with the Indianapolis Colts. However, both of those came as a special teamer. He can be a depth option at very least, and that alone would be enough to help the Steelers out at a position of major need.
The most defensive starts that Odum had in one season was in 2021, his last season with the Colts. That year, he amassed 55 tackles and an interception while playing 43% of defensive snaps and 76% of special teams snaps. Outside of that one season, he never had more than 27% of snaps as a safety. In 2024, he played 19% of snaps on defense for an in injury-filled 49ers team.
Stan Szeto / USA Today
George Odum practices with the San Francisco 49ers.
While the Steelers do have a special teamer/safety option, they have proven to not trust that. Even in 2023, when nearly the entire safety core was wrecked with injury and suspension, Miles Killebrew barely saw any action. He played just 10% of defensive snaps that year as the team opted to sign free agents that had not played all season long instead.
Odum could step in and be the third safety immediately for the Steelers, likely in dime packages. Clearly the Colts and 49ers had more faith to have him play defense than the Steelers do with Killebrew. Odum, Thornhill, and Ramsey could all rotate at free safety, with the former Colt playing in the box as well, as he has proven to be a quality tackler in the open field from his special teams experience.
Steelers Likely Wouldn't Take Odum Away From Primary Role
The Steelers love their special teams aces. If they do bring in Odum, he will see plenty of time on kickoff and punt teams, for both returns and kicking away. They seemingly never pass up on an opportunity to add on the third phase. Odum will get his chance to thrive there while also likely seeing an increased roll as a safety.
Jordan Schofield / Steeler Nation (Twitter / X: @JSKO_PHOTO)
Steelers special teams coordinator Danny Smith roams the field at then-Heinz Field in Pittsburgh, PA prior to a 2021 regular season matchup.
Knowing the Steelers, Odum and Killebrew would both stick on the team as special teamers. The soon-to-be fifth-year Steeler would retain the captain role with the free agent bouncing between both phases and playing as a versatile defender. Pittsburgh has had success taking safeties and moving them into the box.
Either way, this is exactly the kind of move Pittsburgh would make heading into training camp: a value pick at a position of need that can also play other positions if needed. It's hard to find quality starters on the open market in late July. Guys like Justin Simmons are still available, but who knows if he can play special teams. Odum to Pittsburgh just makes a lot of sense for all parties.
What do you think about the Steelers potentially signing Odum? Let us know in the comments or on X at @Steelers_ChrisB.
#SteelerNation
