Steelers May Have A New Surprising Position Battle In 2026 Training Camp

The Pittsburgh Steelers are days away from training camp and, as always, there are some key position battles to watch out for. The Black and Gold have created a well-rounded roster ahead of 2026 with hopes of being a contender. This can create some internal competition between players who are looking to start for the team. This happens in most, if not all, training camps to some degree. However, in the Steel City, there's a plethora of battles, including backup quarterback, right guard, right tackle, and more. The one on most people's minds is in the quarterback room, with Mason Rudolph and Will Howard both looking to be the primary backup. 

However, as training camp goes on, some battles can come organically. Players added to a team's roster can outperform returning players, or there can be some surprise players who break out leading up to the preseason and regular season. Pittsburgh will have to wait a little more than a week for 2026's training camp to find out, but there is one position group that could have a sleeper competition there already. 

The Steelers' safety room was a hot topic of conversation entering the offseason, as the pieces there did not pan out as well as expected, and their starter, DeShon Elliott, suffered a season-ending injury early in the 2025 season. To fix that, the front office signed two new faces to the group. Those two players headline an unexpected competition that some may not have thought about, but CBS Sports' Emory Hunt believes that it could be one to watch in Latrobe. 

"Jaquan Brisker and Darnell Savage. It's about which you prefer. Brisker is a solid player who had a lot of solid years in Chicago, but Darnell Savage was a first-round pick. Brisker gives you stability and solid play; Savage has more ball skills. If you want your safety to be more around the ball and make a lot more plays, Savage may prove to be that guy. But if you want someone who may not give up the big play and keep you honest defensively, Brisker may be the guy. That's why I feel like this is the big battle to watch in Pittsburgh," Hunt said. 

Though many view Brisker as being an immediate starter, Savage could give him a run for his money, or at least prove there's going to be a role for him within the defense. Savage had some solid years with the Green Bay Packers, but has been a journeyman as of late. If he can get back to his former play, it could make for a tough decision.

Savage started 69 games with the Packers from 2019-23 and registered nine interceptions and 302 combined tackles, though two rough years between three teams plagued him; under the right system, he could be an interesting piece for the Steelers. There's no doubt he has a knack for intercepting passes and causing turnovers (which is something the Steelers covet), but based on his recent seasons, it seems like an uphill battle. 

With Brisker, the Steelers brass was able to sign him to an affordable one-year deal. Though Brisker doesn't rack up the interception numbers, he had a breakout season for the Bears in 2025. He broke up eight passes (one shy of his career high), made 93 total tackles, and started all 17 games. He seems like the safe choice, but his coverage skills could use some work. If Brisker were to start, that would mean both Elliott and Brisker, two similar safeties, would be on the field. Both are exceptional in the box, but are just average in coverage; this is why Savage could make a case for himself. 

No Matter What, The Steelers Are Deeper At Safety

It doesn't matter who starts; the safety group is much-improved from 2025's Band-Aid approach to the position. At season's end, the team put out cornerback Jalen Ramsey at safety, who proved he could be versatile but was out of his traditional position. Then came a revolving door at the other spot. Needless to say, with Elliott back and the aforementioned defensive backs, the group has a better chance at success. 

The Steelers' defense is going through many changes, and under a new defensive coordinator, there may be a shock at who starts at safety. However, having depth is always good, and the safeties look to have that this go-around. 

#SteelerNation