The Pittsburgh Steelers reached their initial 53-man roster with a concerning shortage at safety. DeShon Elliott was placed on the Reserve/Injured list with a designation to return, meaning the established starter must miss at least the opening four weeks. Pittsburgh now has a logical reason to explore outside help before beginning the regular season.
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Steelers safety DeShon Elliott (25) stands on the field as the team goes through a workout during the annual Friday Night Lights practice at 2025 training camp in Latrobe, PA.
The active roster currently includes only Jaquan Brisker, Rayshawn Jenkins and seventh-round rookie Robert Spears-Jennings as listed safeties. Brisker did not play during the preseason while dealing with an undisclosed issue, leaving his immediate availability uncertain. Jalen Ramsey can provide positional flexibility, but relying heavily upon a starting cornerback to solve another position would create complications elsewhere.
Steelers insider Nick Farabaugh floated an especially intriguing possibility on Sunday. He wondered whether Las Vegas Raiders safety Isaiah Pola-Mao, the nephew of Steelers legend Troy Polamalu, could attract Pittsburgh's attention.
"Just spitballing on a potential safety target, but wonder if Isaiah Pola-Mao is on the Steelers' radar," Farabaugh wrote. "Played for Patrick Graham last year, so knows the system. Rookie Treydan Stukes knocking at the door of the starting FS spot in Vegas."
Farabaugh presented an idea, not a report that Pittsburgh has contacted Las Vegas or expressed interest. That distinction matters because Pola-Mao remains under contract and is listed as the Raiders' starting free safety. The Steelers cannot simply sign him unless Las Vegas releases him, making a trade the more realistic path.
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Las Vegas Raiders safety Isaiah Pola-Mao (20) breaks up a pass intended for San Francisco 49ers tight end Brayden Willis (9) near the goal line during the second quarter at Allegiant Stadium.
Still, the proposed connection makes considerable football sense. Patrick Graham served as the Raiders' defensive coordinator from 2022 through 2025 before accepting the same position in Pittsburgh. Pola-Mao entered the NFL as an undrafted free agent in 2022 and spent his first four professional seasons learning Graham's defense.
That familiarity could allow the 6-foot-4 safety to contribute faster than an outside addition starting from nothing. Pittsburgh needs someone capable of understanding the terminology, handling multiple responsibilities and entering specialized packages without requiring weeks of instruction. Graham already knows precisely what Pola-Mao can and cannot execute.
Pola-Mao is more than a recognizable family connection. He started 14 games in 2024 before starting all 17 contests for Las Vegas in 2025. He finished last season with 92 total tackles, four passes defended and two interceptions, demonstrating that he can handle a substantial defensive workload.
His breakout 2024 campaign also included 89 tackles, five passes defended and two forced fumbles. A nine-tackle, two-forced-fumble performance against Jacksonville earned him AFC Defensive Player of the Week honors, showing his ability to change a game rather than simply survive a starting assignment.
His background also includes meaningful special teams experience. That versatility becomes particularly valuable near the bottom of a 53-man roster, where reserve defensive backs must contribute beyond their primary position. Pittsburgh would be adding someone capable of competing for defensive snaps while strengthening multiple coverage units.
Steelers Have A Genuine Need Beyond The Polamalu Connection
The emotional connection would naturally make the move even more fascinating for Steeler Nation. Polamalu remains one of the most beloved players in franchise history and belongs in any discussion about football's greatest safeties. His nephew should never be evaluated as an extension of that legendary career, but seeing another member of the family wear black and gold would carry undeniable meaning.
Pittsburgh should investigate Pola-Mao because of the player he has become, not merely because of his last name. Elliott's absence creates an immediate opening, Brisker's status carries uncertainty and Spears-Jennings has never played a regular-season NFL snap. Jenkins supplies valuable experience, but one veteran cannot provide all the depth necessary for Graham's defense.
Would Pola-Mao be worth trading for, or should the Steelers trust Brisker, Jenkins and Spears-Jennings until Elliott returns? Share your Steelers opinions with me on X (@anthonyghalkias), and follow for more Pittsburgh football coverage and discussion.
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