Steelers 2026 Training Camp Preview: Safeties

The Pittsburgh Steelers enter training camp with one of the deepest and most versatile safety groups they have assembled in years.

DeShon Elliott returns after establishing himself as one of the defense’s emotional leaders, while the offseason additions of Jaquan Brisker and Darnell Savage give new defensive coordinator Patrick Graham multiple interchangeable pieces capable of playing deep, in the box, or matching up against tight ends. Behind them, Sebastian Castro and Robert Spears-Jennings will battle to carve out roles on defense and special teams.

With Graham expected to lean heavily on disguise and versatility, this could be one of the most important position groups on the roster.

Here’s a closer look at the safeties heading to Latrobe.

DeShon Elliott

DeShon Elliott enters training camp as one of the unquestioned leaders of the Steelers’ defense after quickly establishing himself as one of the team’s best free-agent signings in recent years.

Originally selected by the Baltimore Ravens in the sixth round of the 2018 NFL Draft, Elliott’s career got off to a frustrating start as injuries limited him to just six games over his first two seasons. Once healthy, however, he developed into a productive starter in Baltimore before continuing to rebuild his reputation with one-year stops in Detroit and Miami.

By the time he arrived in Pittsburgh in 2024, Elliott had become known around the league as a physical, dependable safety who consistently played with an edge.

Elliott immediately rewarded the Steelers’ investment. He stepped into the starting lineup alongside Minkah Fitzpatrick and delivered the best season of his career, finishing with a career-high 108 tackles while adding an interception, six passes defended, two forced fumbles, and three fumble recoveries. His physicality against the run and relentless effort quickly made him a favorite among teammates and fans alike.

Pittsburgh rewarded that performance with a two-year contract extension before the 2025 season. Unfortunately, injuries limited Elliott’s season and the impact was noticeable.

Now entering 2026, Elliott is expected to anchor a revamped safety room. Assuming he remains healthy, Elliott should once again be one of the Steelers’ most reliable defenders and a cornerstone of one of the deepest secondaries the team has fielded in years.

Jaquan Brisker

Jaquan Brisker enters his first training camp with the Steelers looking to make an immediate impact after signing with his hometown team during free agency.

A Pittsburgh native who starred at Gateway High School before beginning his college career at Lackawanna College and finishing at Penn State, Brisker was selected by the Chicago Bears in the second round of the 2022 NFL Draft. He wasted little time establishing himself as one of the Bears’ defensive leaders, earning PFWA All-Rookie Team honors after recording 104 tackles, four sacks, an interception, and two forced fumbles.

His physical style of play quickly became his calling card, and he followed that up with another 100-plus tackle season in 2023 while adding nine passes defended, a sack, and multiple takeaways.

Brisker has proven he can impact games in a variety of ways. Whether lining up near the line of scrimmage, blitzing off the edge, or dropping into coverage, he has consistently shown the versatility teams covet in today’s NFL.  The Bears moved Brisker around the formation again in 2025, using him at both strong and free safety while asking him to handle a variety of assignments.

That experience should make him a natural fit in Patrick Graham’s defense, where interchangeable safeties are a key part of disguising coverages and creating pressure.

The Steelers signed Brisker to a one-year deal this offseason with the expectation that he’ll step into a starting role alongside DeShon Elliott. If he can stay healthy, Pittsburgh will have one of the NFL’s most physical safety tandems.

Darnell Savage

Darnell Savage arrives in Pittsburgh looking to provide experience, versatility, and veteran depth to one of the Steelers’ deepest position groups.

A first-round pick of the Green Bay Packers in 2019, Savage was selected 21st overall after Green Bay traded up to secure him, making him the first safety taken in the draft. He immediately stepped into the starting lineup and earned PFWA All-Rookie Team honors after recording 50 tackles, two interceptions, and two forced fumbles.

Over five seasons with the Packers, Savage developed into a reliable starter, totaling nine interceptions while helping Green Bay reach the playoffs four times. His biggest season came in 2020 when he posted four interceptions, a sack, and 12 passes defended, showcasing the range and ball skills that made him a first-round talent.

His career has been less consistent since then. Injuries interrupted multiple seasons, and after one year with the Jacksonville Jaguars, Savage spent time with both the Washington Commanders and Buffalo Bills during the 2025 season before becoming a free agent.

The Steelers signed Savage to a one-year contract this offseason, giving Patrick Graham another experienced defensive back capable of filling multiple roles. While DeShon Elliott and Jaquan Brisker are expected to headline the safety room, Savage has experience playing deep coverage, rotating into the slot, and matching up against athletic tight ends and running backs.

That versatility should make him an important piece in Graham’s multiple defensive schemes.

Sebastian Castro

Sebastian Castro returns to Pittsburgh after an eventful rookie season that saw him briefly leave the organization before finding his way back.

After a standout career at Iowa, Castro signed with the Steelers as an undrafted free agent in 2025. Known for his instincts and physical style of play, he emerged as one of the Hawkeyes’ defensive leaders, earning All-Big Ten honors while showcasing the versatility to line up at safety, nickel, and in the box.

His 2023 season was highlighted by three interceptions, including a pick-six against Iowa State, and several impact plays that demonstrated his football IQ more than elite athletic traits.

Although Castro was waived during final roster cuts last summer, Tampa Bay signed him off the Steelers’ practice squad before Pittsburgh reclaimed him later in the season. That experience gave him valuable time in two NFL organizations while allowing him to continue developing behind the scenes.

Now entering his second training camp, Castro has a legitimate opportunity to compete for a roster spot. His versatility aligns well with Patrick Graham’s defensive philosophy, and his instincts and toughness could make him a valuable reserve capable of contributing at multiple positions.

As with many young defensive backs, special teams will likely be the key to earning a place on the 53-man roster, but Castro has the football intelligence to push for defensive snaps as his career progresses.

Robert Spears-Jennings

Robert Spears-Jennings enters his first NFL training camp looking to prove he can stick on the Steelers’ 53-man roster after being selected in the seventh round of the 2026 NFL Draft.

The former Oklahoma defensive back steadily developed during his three seasons with the Sooners. After contributing primarily as a reserve as a freshman, Spears-Jennings earned a larger role in 2023 before becoming a full-time starter during his final collegiate season.

His combination of size (6-foot-2, 205 pounds), physicality, and outstanding athleticism made him an intriguing late-round selection. He turned heads during the pre-draft process by running a 4.32-second 40-yard dash while posting a 38-inch vertical leap.

Spears-Jennings has experience playing multiple safety spots and showed a willingness to support the run throughout his college career. That versatility should give him an opportunity to compete for a depth role in Patrick Graham’s defense.

Like most late-round rookies, his clearest path to a roster spot begins on special teams. If he can pair that value with continued development defensively, Spears-Jennings could establish himself as one of the Steelers’ top young depth pieces in the secondary.