Steelers To Sign S Rayshawn Jenkins

Pittsburgh hosted Jenkins and another veteran safety, Jordan Whitehead, for a workout yesterday, and Jenkins’ audition delivered a new deal. The tenth-year veteran brings plenty of starting experience, to the Steelers’ secondary, but he’s likely to join the fold in a backup capacity. Mike DeFabo of The Athletic had noted that safety depth was a concern coming into training camp, and in Cleveland last year, Jenkins only started three games, the fewest for him in a season since he earned a starting role in 2019.

After a five-year collegiate career at Miami (FL), Jenkins went across the country when he was drafted by the Chargers in the fourth round in 2017. He first appeared only on special teams but quickly began to see reps off the bench throughout his rookie and sophomore campaigns. When the team released Jahleel Addae, Jenkins took over as the starting free safety next to Derwin James and held that role through the end of his rookie deal.

As a free agent, Jenkins returned to Florida, signing a four-year, $35MM deal with the Jaguars. Starting next to Andrew Wingard and Andre Cisco, Jenkins delivered a career year in his second season in Jacksonville. In 2022, his 116 tackle total was the second-highest total on the team — second only to league-leading tackler Foyesade Oluokun. In coverage, he tied for the team lead with three interceptions, returning one 52 yards for a touchdown, and added 12 passes defensed and three forced fumbles.

Jacksonville cut Jenkins’ contract a year short in 2024, allowing his to sign with the Seahawks. In Seattle, he started the first six games of the season before missing four due to injury. Upon returning from the absence Jenkins found himself coming mostly off the bench, starting only three of the seven remaining games of the season. Then, arriving in Cleveland last year, he played mostly a backup role to starters Ronnie Hickman and Grant Delpit.

The Steelers will se the return of what they hope will be a healthy DeShon Elliott in 2026 alongside free agent addition Jaquan Brisker. The two are expected to have starting duties, while another experienced veteran safety, Darnell Savage, adds a good level of starting experience. The rest of the group behind those three includes only undrafted players. Jenkins should be a supportive depth and rotational piece of the defense, similar to Savage.