Steelers Are Likely Keeping Tabs On 1 Cut Candidate For Potential Reunion With Patrick Graham

The Pittsburgh Steelers are in a very good spot roster-wise. Outside of the quarterback position, the team has been built nicely with starters at every position being apparent with loads of depth at multiple spots. Even with some veterans hanging around that will likely be gone after the 2026 season, this is a unit that is built for the future, which is key for making any young quarterback's life easier. There's always the potential that the 2027 team looks better than the current one as well once free agency hits next offseason. 

That's still not going to stop General Manager Omar Khan from looking to snag more quality depth whenever he can. He's always looking around the NFL for key pieces to the puzzle, and there might be one waiting for him in Las Vegas. ESPN's Ben Solak named a group of players that could see a role reduction or even lose their job sooner rather than later, and one of them is right up Pittsburgh's alley. 

"[Isaiah] Pola-Mao played 861 snaps at a safety alignment last season via NFL Next Gen Stats, largely because the role of versatile box player was already occupied by Jeremy Chinn," Solak said. "Second-round pick Treydan Stukes played a ton of positions in college, but he finished his career at Arizona as a safety -- and he was announced by the Raiders as a safety when he signed his contract. He can play the slot, but his body type and play style translates best to safety -- specifically a deep middle safety. That's Pola-Mao's old job."

Safety Isaiah Pola-Mao is in the final year of his contract with the Las Vegas Raiders. Over the previous two seasons, he has really found a niche for himself, as he started all 17 games in 2025 and 14 in the year before. Even then, he thrives more as a box safety, but he did not play that very often due to the other safeties on the team taking that spot from him. He has adapted very well, though. 

Nobody knows Pola-Mao better than Defensive Coordinator Patrick Graham, who has worked with the former undrafted free agent throughout his entire career. If the Raiders do release him after the preseason or announce that he's available for trade, it would not be surprising to see his former coach try to convince Khan to bring him over to Pittsburgh to be the new box safety and backup deep man.

On top of that, the Steelers love their feel-good family stories. They would love to bring in the nephew of the legendary Troy Polamalu if possible. It wouldn't just be a nepotism-based signing, as he has proven himself as a quality safety and special teamer. With Khan's mindset on the position, there is definitely a role for Pola-Mao to play in Pittsburgh if he ever makes it to the team. 

Khan has spoken about how he can never have enough depth in the secondary, as he believes that group is the most injury-prone. Because of that, he is always looking for a new cornerback or safety to bring in just in case his analysis turns out to be true. After training camp and preseason, there may be enough concern at the position to sign Pola-Mao and have him play wherever he is needed to.

Steelers' Likely Position For Pola-Mao If Signed

The Steelers currently have a nice group of safeties, but there is not one that sticks out as a quality box safety. That could end up being Pola-Mao's primary role. If/when a safety goes down due to injury, he could rotate into that role more often as well. Of course, Pittsburgh loves its special teamers, and it lost a bunch of aces on that front. That could be yet another way that the overlooked defensive back can contribute.

What do you think about Pola-Mao possibly being available to sign sooner rather than later? Let us know on X at @Steelers_ChrisB.

#SteelerNation