The Pittsburgh Steelers will likely have one of the better defensive units in all of football to kickoff the 2025 NFL season. After an offseason that featured multiple key moves on both sides of the ball, Pittsburgh finds themselves with significant upgrades in the secondary. The Steelers acquired superstar cornerback Jalen Ramsey from the Miami Dolphins in exchange for veteran free safety Minkah Fitzpatrick, as Ramsey is expected to play a crucial role on the Steelers' defense this season.
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Steelers' cornerback Jalen Ramsey during his time with the Dolphins.
Many feel as if the Steelers are still lacking depth at safety, as Fitzpatrick was expected to be the starting free safety entering 2025. Juan Thornhill may emerge as a legitimate starting option, as the former Cleveland Browns defensive back will look to make a strong impact throughout training camp. Thornhill has been plagued with injuries over the course of the past two seasons, as the veteran will look to get back to playing at a high level once again this season in Pittsburgh.
As speculation continues to surround the Steelers' depth at safety, General Manager Omar Khan took a moment to speak with the media on Wednesday regarding the position.
"We signed Juan, that's not to say that we won't look at what else is out there," Khan stated.
Khan then went on to speak about Pittsburgh's plan throughout training camp, as the team is expected to take their time in evaluating the depth on the roster.
"Part of training camp is for us to figure out and get to know what we have and see how those rules are going to come together," Khan continued.
Khan's comments should not be considered as surprising by many, as Thornhill's decline and injury history over the past few seasons may result in the veteran being a questionable starting option. Thornhill thrived during his time with the Kansas City Chiefs, as the veteran played a key role in two of the Chiefs' Super Bowl runs from past seasons. Thornhill remains as a starting option at safety for the time being, as many feel like Pittsburgh will add depth at the position in the near future.
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Steelers' Juan Thornhill during his time with the Cleveland Browns.
Ramsey continues to emerge as a starting option at safety as well, as the veteran cornerback has been rumored to take snaps at free safety throughout training camp. Ramsey, a seven-time Pro Bowler, is an elite cornerback who is widely regarded as one of the better defensive players in all of football. Ramsey may be faced with a major role off the field as well, as the veteran is expected to be an excellent mentor for younger defensive backs in the Steelers' secondary.
Other Steelers Veterans Expected To Play An Additional Off Field Role
With training camp officially underway, the Steelers will have a better understanding as to where the depth on the defense stands in the near future. Multiple veterans are expected to pick up where they left off in 2024, as superstar defensive lineman Cam Heyward will look to add to an already impressive resume throughout 2025. Also a seven-time Pro Bowler, Heyward has been a crucial piece on the Steelers' defensive line throughout his entire career.
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Steelers' Cam Heyward gets ready to make a play during Week 14 against the Cleveland Browns.
Heyward could play a key role off the field as well, as the veteran is expected to aid rookie Derrick Harmon in his development throughout the season. Harmon, a first-round selection out of Oregon, is a talented defensive lineman who was widely considered as one of the top defensive talents from the 2024 class. Harmon's potential is limitless, as playing alongside Heyward will almost certainly make the rookie a better player over time.
As questions surrounding the Steelers' depth at safety remain at large, the team is expected to evaluate the talent at the position throughout training camp. Thornhill remains as a solid starting option, but injuries over the past few seasons suggest otherwise. With opening week continuing to grow closer, the team is expected to have a better understanding of where they stand at the position sooner rather than later.
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