Steelers Must Address Safety Depth Before Training Camp Opens
- Jul 22, 2025
- 2 min read
Time is running short for the Pittsburgh Steelers to fix their most obvious weakness. When players report to Saint Vincent College on July 23, the team will still lack reliable depth at safety after trading away their best player at the position.
With Minkah Fitzpatrick shipped to Miami in the blockbuster trade for Jalen Ramsey and Jonnu Smith, the Steelers turned to Juan Thornhill as their primary answer. The former Chiefs and Browns safety signed a one-year, $3 million deal but brings concerning baggage from Cleveland.
Thornhill went two full seasons in Cleveland without recording an interception, sack, or forced fumble. He also whiffed on 21 tackles in just 22 games. Not exactly the resume you want from your starting safety.
The gambling community monitors NFL roster moves closely, with offshore sportsbooks tracking how personnel changes affect team odds. These international platforms offer expanded markets on football futures, drawing bettors beyond traditional domestic options. The Steelers' secondary questions factor into their championship odds, with most sportsbooks giving them long-shot odds of between +4000 and +5000 to win the Super Bowl title at the end of the upcoming season.
Behind Thornhill sits an inexperienced group that includes Miles Killebrew and rookie Sebastian Castro. Neither provides the coverage skills needed at free safety, creating depth concerns Pittsburgh must address.
Former All-Pro Justin Simmons remains available and recently told the media he wants to join a contender before training camp begins. The 31-year-old safety recorded 62 tackles and two interceptions last season with Atlanta after spending eight years in Denver.
Simmons has made four All-Pro teams and two Pro Bowls during his career. That kind of track record would give the secondary some much-needed credibility after losing Fitzpatrick. His experience working opposite strong safeties would complement DeShon Elliott perfectly.
The Steelers have other concerns, including swing tackle depth and T.J. Watt's contract situation. Calvin Anderson can start camp at tackle, though veteran reinforcement may come later. Meanwhile, Watt remains without an extension despite being one of the few premier edge rushers without a new deal.
Head coach Mike Tomlin invoked Thornhill's name when questioned about safety depth earlier this year, but that was before trading Fitzpatrick. The equation changed completely, leaving Pittsburgh thin at a position that demands reliability.
Training camp will reveal Pittsburgh's true plans at safety, but adding a veteran before July 23 would provide insurance and competition. The team used three-safety packages on just 42 snaps last season, but personnel additions could expand those looks.
Steeler Nation expects aggressive moves after the team's all-in approach this offseason. The Steelers went big this offseason with Aaron Rodgers, DK Metcalf, and Darius Slay. All those moves point to one thing: they want to win now. Another safety would round out what looks like a legitimate playoff roster for the first time since their last postseason victory in 2016.