Steelers agree to deal with veteran safety

Elliott entered the league with Baltimore in 2018, establishing himself as a starter during the final two seasons of his rookie contract. 

After one-year stints in Detroit and Miami, the 26-year-old will now join linebacker Patrick Queen as an ex-Raven making the move to Pittsburgh. Elliott played on one-year accords with the Lions and Dolphins, so this pact will offer slightly more security.

Injuries marred much of Elliott’s Ravens tenure, but he has managed to remain relatively healthy over the past two seasons. The Texas alum played 14 games in 2022, followed by 15 last season. 

Across that span, he recorded a pair of interceptions and 10 pass deflections while starting all but two games. Known best for his physicality, Elliott has made 178 tackles over the past two years (and 287 total in 57 contests), and he will look to remain productive in that area with Pittsburgh.

The Steelers have Minkah Fitzpatrick in place as a locked-in safety starter. Keanu Neal saw significant playing time last year, but he was released one week ago. 

With fellow veteran Damontae Kazee under contract for only one more year, the position was one in need of an addition either via free agency or the draft this offseason. 

Elliott will at least be able to provide experienced depth while playing in three-safety looks, or he could beat out Kazee for a starting role ahead of the 2024 campaign.

Pittsburgh ranked 17th against the pass last season, and while Elliott has not drawn stellar PFF reviews in coverage, he has remained consistent in that regard during his career. 

The former sixth-rounder earned an overall rating of 72.6 last season, the highest mark of his career. Replicating that success would be a welcomed development for the Steelers as they continue to reshape areas of their defense.