Steelers’ Retooled Secondary Key to Successful Season

Last season, Slay recorded 13 pass breakups, a forced fumble and a fumble recovery. Although he didn’t have an interception, his football IQ played a key role in the Eagles’ Super Bowl run. Slay’s leadership and presence also helped rookies Quinyon Mitchell and Cooper DeJean learn and make an early impact. A player like Joey Porter Jr. could thrive under Slay’s mentorship as he enters his third season. 

Jalen Ramsey

Jalen Ramsey’s versatility is something the Steelers and head coach Mike Tomlin value. His ability to play outside corner, in the slot and at safety allows defensive coordinator Teryl Austin to use more man coverage while disguising coverages. Ramsey’s experience at safety dates back to his college days at Florida State. Despite turning 30, he proved last season that he can still play at a high level. 

With the Dolphins, Ramsey totaled five interceptions and 17 pass deflections, showing he remains a shutdown corner. One trait he brings to every team is his competitiveness— something the Steelers’ defense could greatly benefit from. Ramsey also has the potential to mentor Joey Porter Jr., which could help him elevate Porter’s game as he continues to develop. Ramsey was ranked No. 66 on the NFL’s Top 100 entering this season.

Entering a critical third season, Joey Porter Jr. will look to bounce back from last year’s struggles. Coming out of Penn State, Porter was projected as a physical, man-to-man cornerback. Having veterans like Darius Slay and Jalen Ramsey around should help him refine his technique. 

Consistent reps in practice against new teammate DK Metcalf will allow Porter to improve daily. Learning from a talented and experienced receiver can help him better read route movements and position himself more effectively. This season, he’ll be expected to showcase his lockdown ability while increasing his interception numbers and proving he can be a ballhawk.

The biggest area Porter must improve is avoiding penalties in pass coverage. According to Matt Williamson, a host of the Steelers’ “The Drive” podcast, Porter surrendered 87 yards on pass interference calls– the seventh most in the league. Williamson also noted that Porter committed 15 total penalties, the most by any defensive player last season.

DeShon Elliott

After receiving a two-year, $12.5 million extension this offseason, DeShon Elliot is looking to build on last season’s success. As the Steelers’ starting safety, he brings physicality and a high motor to the secondary. After previous stops in Baltimore, Detroit and Miami, finding stability in Pittsburgh has boosted his confidence heading into 2025. 

In his first season with the Steelers, Elliott proved to be a strong fit for the team’s culture. His impact on the game was felt across the field, finishing the year with one interception, two forced fumbles, three fumble recoveries and six pass breakups. His knack for being around the ball helped flip field position at key moments. 

Elliott’s greatest strength is his tackling ability and his effectiveness in limiting big plays. In 2024, he totaled 108 tackles— 73 solo and 35 assisted. His combination of hard-hitting ability and sound fundamentals makes him a dependable piece of Pittsburgh’s defense.

Juan Thornhill

After signing a one-year contract with the Steelers, free safety Juan Thornhill arrives with a chip on his shoulder. Following two down seasons in Cleveland, he looks to recapture the playmaking ability he showcased in Kansas City. His championship experience should help the team perform better in key moments.

During his four-year tenure with the Chiefs, Thornhill totaled eight interceptions and proved he can impact the game. He notched three interceptions in both 2019 and 2022. His rookie season in 2019 saw him make an immediate impact for a team he would eventually help win two Super Bowls.

Though his numbers in Cleveland were discouraging, there’s optimism that Thornhill can turn things around. Steelers defensive backs coach Gerald Alexander has the tools to help revive Thornhill’s career. Alexander was Pittsburgh’s defensive backs coach in 2022, when Minkah Fitzpatrick totaled six interceptions in a single season. 

Even with the addition of former Ravens and Jets safety Chuck Clark, Thornhill remains a primary option for the Steelers’ secondary. 

Additional Secondary Notes

Chuck Clark – Signed by the Steelers on July 25, 2025, Clark brings versatility as a player who can line up at both free and strong safety. 

Donte Kent – Drafted in the seventh round of the 2025 NFL Draft, Kent is expected to contribute on special teams.

Beanie Bishop/Cory Trice Jr/James Pierre – All three return to a secondary that looks drastically different from 2024. Bishop recorded four interceptions in his rookie season, including two off current Steelers quarterback Aaron Rodgers. Pierre remains a core special teamer with the ability to step in at cornerback if injuries occur (he recorded one interception last season). Trice is aiming to bounce back after two injury-plagued seasons. This training camp is critical for his chances of staying on the roster. 

Brandin Echols – Signed during the 2025 free agency period, Echols provides solid depth. Originally drafted out of Kentucky by the Jets, he has five career interceptions and 16 pass breakups. His addition helps strengthen the overall depth of the secondary.

Sebastian Castro – An undrafted free agent from Iowa, Castro is a name to watch during training camp. With Ramsey capable of playing safety and Clark now in the fold, Castro faces an uphill battle. A strong showing in camp and the preseason will be essential for his roster hopes. 

Miles Killebrew – Expected to maintain his role as the fourth safety, Killebrew is a special teams leader and key contributor. His ability to block punts makes him one of the most valuable special teams players on the roster. Killebrew has become an All-Pro special teamer during his career.