Steelers’ Safety Problem Is Growing After Week 2

September 20, 2026; Foxborough, Massachusetts, USA; New England Patriots running back TreVeyon Henderson (32) runs against Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker Payton Wilson (41) and safety Jaquan Brisker (3) during the second half at Gillette Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Eric Canha-Imagn Images

Steelers’ Safety Problem Is Growing After Week 2

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Jobe Morrison | Last updated Sep 23, 2026 8:00 AM ET

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The Pittsburgh Steelers spent years trying to fill the gap between Troy Polamalu and Minkah Fitzpatrick. Now, after trading Fitzpatrick away last offseason, Pittsburgh is once again trying to address a clear need at safety. Not only do they need depth at the position, but they desperately need an impact player. Jalen Ramsey has been solid in that role, but at this stage of his career, his best usage comes as a slot cornerback. Now, after Week 2, the safety depth chart is becoming a growing issue once again.

The play at safety hasn’t been downright awful through two weeks, but the Steelers have left plenty on the field. Most notably, Week 2 saw several opportunities turn into big plays for the Patriots downfield. Pittsburgh has struggled at safety since last season, and unless someone steps up, the position is becoming a problem once again in 2026.

Safety Was Already a Concern

Going into the season, the Steelers didn’t have much safety depth to begin with. Once DeShon Elliott landed on injured reserve, the position became even more difficult for the front office to manage. In Week 1, Ramsey assumed most of the safety work opposite Jaquan Brisker as he shadowed Atlanta tight end Kyle Pitts. In Week 2, though, two things became apparent: Ramsey is more valuable as a slot cornerback, and the Steelers need more help at safety.

Right now, the roster has only three true safeties. Ramsey can play the free safety role, but that isn’t where he will have the biggest impact. His slot role and matchup-specific duties are far more valuable. There’s no doubt the Steelers understood that as they navigated the early portion of the season. Sunday simply gave them a stark reminder that they need to keep their options open.

Sunday Showed More Reason for Concern

September 20, 2026; Foxborough, Massachusetts, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers cornerback Jalen Ramsey (5) tackles New England Patriots running back TreVeyon Henderson (32) during the second half at Gillette Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Eric Canha-Imagn Images

Though the defense had a strong day in Week 2, the Steelers still exposed some weaknesses in the safety group on tape. Brisker was beaten by Hunter Henry for 29 yards on the Patriots’ opening drive, which was certainly a tough assignment. Then, the safeties lost track of receiver Romeo Doubs on two big second-half completions. One went for 33 yards, while the other covered 63 yards. Whether those plays resulted from a possible miscommunication or poor execution, both were massive gains.

Could Elliott’s return help alleviate the problem? If these plays were the result of communication issues, it certainly could. Elliott is an excellent communicator and can also adequately cover tight ends. However, his return is not guaranteed to provide a quick fix.

Sunday showed the Steelers have a legitimate concern on the back end of the defense. Unless someone unexpectedly steps up, Omar Khan and the front office should continue monitoring the trade market.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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