steelers.com

Pre-camp previews: Safety

This is the 10th in a series on the Steelers' roster as the team prepares to report to training camp at Saint Vincent College July 23. **Today: Safeties**

**Safeties:** DeShon Elliott, Juan Thornhill, Miles Killebrew, Sebastian Castro, Quindell Johnson

By trading away Minkah Fitzpatrick in the deal to acquire defensive back Jalen Ramsey and tight end Jonnu Smith, the Steelers left themselves with just five full-time safeties on their roster.

It would stand to figure that due to the rigors of camp, adding another body at the position would make a lot of sense – unless the Steelers want to try Ramsey there first. He does have some time at free safety in his background.

We'll find out more about those plans when the team takes to the practice field late next week at Saint Vincent College.

The Steelers signed strong safety DeShon Elliott to a two-year contract extension beyond this year after his stellar season in 2024, his first with the team.

Elliott recorded a career-high 108 tackles, including four for a loss, six pass breakups, an interception, two forced fumbles and three fumble recoveries. He always seemed to find the ball.

Thornhill, 29, had eight interceptions in his first four seasons in Kansas City before recording none the past two seasons in 22 games – all starts – in Cleveland.

The Steelers hope the change in scenery will help Thornhill regain his ball-hawking ways.

Behind those two is where things get more interesting.

All-Pro special teams player and Steelers special teams captain Miles Killebrew draws all kinds of attention from opposing teams when he steps on the field. But he's also played sparingly in defense during his previous four seasons with the Steelers.

Read full news in source page