The Pittsburgh Steelers’ training camp is almost here. The team has done plenty of work this offseason, and it’s time to see where the pieces fall. While many of their starters seem like foregone conclusions, some positions are less settled. That includes safety, with analyst Emory Hunt highlighting Jaquan Brisker versus Darnell Savage as Pittsburgh’s top positional battle for training camp.
“The real battle is Jaquan Brisker and Darnell Savage,” Hunt said Monday on CBS Sports HQ. “It’s about what you prefer. Brisker is a solid player, had a lot of solid years in Chicago. I was surprised to see him go. But Darnell Savage was a first-round pick, started out really hot in his career with Green Bay, and then you’ve seen him bounce around the last couple of years.
“Brisker gives you stability; he gives you solid play. Savage has more ball skills. If you want your safety to be more around the football, making a lot more plays, Savage may prove to be that guy. But if you want someone that may not give up the big play and may keep you honest defensively, Brisker could be that guy. That’s why I feel like this is the big battle to watch in Pittsburgh.”
It’s currently unclear how the Steelers will divide labor at the safety position. DeShon Elliott is returning from injury and is a presumed starter. Jalen Ramsey became a full-time safety halfway through last season, and while he’ll likely play there again, the Steelers will also use him in a more versatile role.
As a result, a safety spot could open up next to Elliott in certain sub-packages. Brisker, Savage, and Sebastian Castro will compete for that role. However, it feels like Brisker is in pole position for that race. While he only signed a one-year deal with the Steelers this offseason, that doesn’t accurately reflect the caliber of player that he is.
Brisker was the Chicago Bears’ second-round pick in 2022. He spent all four seasons there as a key part of their defense, starting 52 games. Only injuries kept him off the field. Brisker wore several hats, showing he can play well in multiple roles.
Meanwhile, Savage could struggle to make the Steelers’ 53-man roster. Yes, he was a first-round pick by the Green Bay Packers in 2019. He also had eight interceptions in his first three NFL seasons. However, Savage hasn’t been the same player recently. He has only two interceptions over the last four years, and he bounced around between three different teams last season.
Savage and Castro might be more of a competition. Savage is a veteran, while Castro was an undrafted rookie last year. They both project to be backups if they stick with the Steelers. However, Brisker could be a starter, depending on what Pittsburgh does with Ramsey. He’s a tier above Savage at this point.
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