The word "rebuild" truly doesn't seem to be in the dictionary for the Pittsburgh Steelers. Despite potentially have the opportunity to do so following the resignation of former head coach Mike Tomlin, it remains full steam ahead with 2026 training camp right around the corner. The front office added more talented pieces to both sides of the ball, which should let the rest of the league know that the goals being set are much more significant than simply slipping into the postseason. The organization has put together a roster that, on paper, has a legitimate chance of competing late into January.
Peter Diana / Pittsburgh Post-Gazette
Steelers Head Coach Mike Tomlin smiles as he stands on the practice field while his team works out at the UPMC Sports Complex in Pittsburgh, PA.
The majority of collectives that worked under Tomlin had plenty of talent, but none of them were really able to maximize what they had. This has led to a postseason-win drought that dates back to the beginning of the 2017 campaign. The 2026 version of the Steelers has the potential to make some noise; however, there remains a couple of question marks on the roster that do require a little more looking into.
Perhaps the most fascinating position as coaches and players get set to report to Latrobe is the last line of defense. At safety, DeShon Elliott has been rehabbing a pretty nasty injury that required surgery, Darnell Savage is a veteran who may or may not have a second wind in him, and Jaquan Brisker comes to town with something to prove.
Additionally, rookie Robert Spears-Jennings, and do-it-all defender Jalen Ramsey help round out the room, unless Sebastian Castro finds a way to seriously impress and forces his way into the conversation. There are questions about Elliott's health and if that unit will consist of enough talent to get the job done.
The same can be said at inside linebacker with Patrick Queen leading the way. He will be joined by Payton Wilson, Malik Harrison and Cole Holcomb. Based on some inconsistencies from the group recently, it's fair to question the legitimacy of it.
In a version of the "AFC North Whiparound" from The Athletic, Steelers beat writer Mike DeFabo highlighted the two units and mentioned that general manager Omar Khan will be paying attention to who might be available toward the end of August.
"On the flip side, the inside linebacker who stands next to Patrick Queen in the base defense is a question mark, and safety depth is a concern," DeFabo wrote. "It wouldn’t surprise me to see the Steelers scouring the waiver wire on cutdown day to add to the secondary, preferably with a true free safety."
Pittsburgh does lack someone who is a natural free safety. It would be beneficial for Ramsey to be used as a chess piece who moves all over the place. There are surprise cuts every year throughout the NFL. Sometimes, depth charts are crowded and reliable veterans request to be waived so they can pursue better opportunities elsewhere. This is something that Khan and co. are going to be keeping an eye out for.
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Steelers General Manager Omar Khan stands over near and signs pictures for the fans as the team prepares to work out during a training camp practice at St. Vincent College in Latrobe, PA.
Bringing in a new face that late in the game could potentially disrupt things, but that's not going to stop the Steelers from making the right move. If Elliott comes back healthy but ends up getting injured again, Pittsburgh's defense will be in an extremely difficult spot. It won't benefit the team as a whole if Ramsey is forced to play safety simply because there is not enough trust in either Spears-Jennings or Savage.
The Steelers should have a relatively explosive defense, but if the safety position is left exposed then it will be harder to keep opponents from running quick go routes and throwing the ball deeper over the middle of the field. Elliott's recovery is pivotal; however, that still doesn't excuse the fact that Pittsburgh really does need a legitimate free safety option.
Steelers Might Have To Decide Between A Rookie And Veteran
Spears-Jennings and Savage will both be closely watched throughout training camp and the preseason. If Pittsburgh does intend to bring in a reliable safety after roster cutdowns, then one of the two could be on their way out. It probably makes the most sense for the Steelers to hope that the rookie clears waivers so he then can return to the practice squad.
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