The Pittsburgh Steelers started the 2025 season off with a win on Sunday as the team was able to take down the New York Jets on the road. It was crucial that the Steelers started the year off on a good note, and that is exactly what happened. However, there were some obvious issues to take note of from the game. One being that the defense must improve, especially against the run which happened to be an issue at the end of the 2024 season for Pittsburgh. Additionally, the Steelers might need to start seriously considering adding external safety help.
Alysa Rubin / Pittsburgh Steelers
Former Steelers safety Minkah Fitzpatrick on the sideline prior to an away game in 2024.
One of the bigger moves the Steelers made during the 2025 offseason was trading away star safety Minkah Fitzpatrick. Fitzpatrick had a pair of down years, and Pittsburgh sent him back to the Miami Dolphins in exchange for Jalen Ramsey. This opened a hole at safety, which has been played by Ramsey and Juan Thornhill, while DeShon Elliott is the starting strong safety. There were questions going into the year about adding safety help behind Thornhill, and Elliott went down in the win over the Jets which further proves that Pittsburgh needs to bring in some help. It might not be so easy, however.
#Saints S Julian Blackmon, an instant contributor after a late signing, is feared to have suffered a torn labrum in the loss to the #AZCardinals, sources say.
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) September 8, 2025
They’re still doing tests, but if confirmed, he’s looking at season-ending surgery. A tough blow. pic.twitter.com/F18gru5znb
There are some quality safeties that are still available on the open market, but Pittsburgh might have some competition when it comes to acquiring a player like that. The New Orleans Saints lost safety Julian Blackmon for the remainder of the 2025 season after he suffered a torn labrum during their game on Sunday. This puts New Orleans right back in the market for a safety, which could affect Pittsburgh.
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Justin Simmons celebrates a play as a member of the Denver Broncos
Some of the top safeties on the market include Justin Simmons and Jabrill Peppers. Peppers was recently released by the New England Patriots and he remains a free agent, and Simmons has not signed with a team either after spending the 2024 season with the Atlanta Falcons. Either player could make an impact for the Steelers. Elliott's injury doesn't seem to be too serious just yet, but attempting to bring in either Simmons or Peppers just in case he has to miss some time is not a bad idea.
Either player could also challenge Thornhill at free safety. Ramsey plays there when Pittsburgh is in its base defense, but in nickel and dime, it is Thornhill. Simmons or Peppers could challenge him for that role later on in the season, and this is something Pittsburgh should consider doing if either player would be willing to sign and not break the bank. At the very least, it adds some quality depth to a defense that struggled on Sunday against the Jets.
Steelers Have Other Options At Safety As Well
Outside of Simmons and Peppers, Pittsburgh has some other options. Marcus Williams is still a free agent, and the Steelers have liked to go out and sign players that have played for the Baltimore Ravens in the past. He fits that mold, and he could still be a decent player. He has also played for the Saints in the past, and he could consider signing there over Pittsburgh.
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Marcus Williams watches from the sideline during his time with the Ravens.
Realistically, no free agent should be picking New Orleans over Pittsburgh if they care about winning. The Saints will clearly be picking at the top of the 2026 NFL Draft, while the Steelers should be competing for a playoff spot later in the regular season. The Saints could create issues for the Steelers in signing a safety, but Pittsburgh should be able to have its pick of the litter.
What do you think about the Steelers signing a safety? Let us know in the comments below!
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