Why Steelers' veteran safety could be key to defense

The Steelers have completely rebuilt their inside linebacker room this offseason with four new players now added to the group. But one thing is still missing, and a veteran safety could be Pittsburgh's answer.

Keanu Neal, who signed a two-year deal with the Steelers in April, has a unique skill set that the team may take advantage of in the box. His speed and coverage ability is exactly what is lacking in Pittsburgh's new-look inside linebacker room and he isn't opposed to moving around.

"It's really hard to put yourself in a box, and I wouldn't put myself in a box saying that I'm a linebacker or I'm a safety," Neal said. "Because I can do multiple things. I can go down and play as a 'backer role, but I can also play in the safety role. I wouldn't really give myself a position."

The 6-foot, 211-pound 27-year-old was drafted as a safety by the Falcons in the first round of the 2016 NFL Draft.

In 2021, the Cowboys moved Neal from safety to linebacker where he had 72 tackles and one sack. However, the positional experiment lasted just one year as he was once again listed as a safety by the Buccaneers in 2022.

It's doubtful the Steelers are looking to primarily use Neal as a linebacker, but don't be surprised if he's put in the box on crucial third downs with his skillset and previous experience at the position.

Pittsburgh did bring in a more athletic linebacker in Kwon Alexander for a visit, but after leaving without a contract, the Steelers may be happy with what they have in Neal instead.