Report: Steelers, DeShon Elliott agree to two-year, $12.5 million extension

The Pittsburgh Steelers and safety DeShon Elliott have agreed to terms on a two-year, $12.5 million contract extension, per Tom Pelissero of NFL Network. The two-year extension includes $9.21 million in guarantees.

Elliott, 28, had one more year remaining on the two-year deal he signed with Pittsburgh last offseason. The Steelers are rewarding him with a new deal coming off his best season to date in the NFL.

He appeared in 15 games this past season, tallying a career-high 108 tackles (72 solo), one interception, two forced fumbles and six passes defended. Elliott will once again start alongside Minkah Fitzpatrick in the back end of the Steelers’ secondary in 2025.

Steelers, DeShon Elliott agree to new deal ahead of 2025 season

Elliott began his career with the Baltimore Ravens, spending the first three seasons playing for Pittsburgh’s AFC North rival. Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin had a lot of familiarity with Elliott, and decided to take a chance on him.

“Again, we have familiarity with DeShon and just got a lot of respect for how he plays the game, the toughness component,” Tomlin said at last year’s NFL Owners Meetings. “We felt like he would be a good asset in addition to our secondary. Good tackler, good communicator. There’s a lot that’s attractive about him and we’re excited to get to work with him.”

Elliott, the former Texas standout, saw a lot to like about Pittsburgh. It turned out to be the perfect fit.

“That logo. It’s championship football,” Elliott said after signing last offseason. “This is the culture. This is real smash mouth, real gritty, cold-weather-game football. Why else would you not want to play here?  Growing up watching Troy Polamalu play, the Steel Curtain, like this is real football. I’m excited to be here.

“When you play on either side of it, if you haven’t made a play in that game or haven’t won in that game, then you aren’t officially a part of that team. I feel like I’ve made plays for the other team. It’s time for me to make plays for this team. That’s what I’m excited to do. Yeah, that’s about it.”