The Steelers signed free agent safety DeShon Elliott to a two-year contract, adding another former Ravens member to their defense.
Elliott, who spent the 2023 season with the Miami Dolphins, was a sixth-round pick by the Ravens in 2018. The Steelers had previously signed linebacker Patrick Queen, a Ravens 2020 first-round pick, in free agency.
Elliott, 26, will join a senior group of safeties that includes All-Pros Minkah Fitzpatrick and Damontae Kazee. He will be used as a possible replacement for strong safety Keanu Neal, who was dismissed after failing his physical following the 2023 season.
Elliott added, “I’m open to whatever they want me to do to help the defense and be productive in any way I can.”
Elliott missed the whole rookie season with a fractured forearm and all but six games in his second season due to a knee injury.
In 2020, however, Elliott started all 16 games for the Ravens, recording 80 tackles, 2.5 sacks, and two forced fumbles. He played six games in 2021 before going on season-ending injured reserve with a biceps injury.
As a free agent in 2022, he signed with the Lions, appearing in 14 games, 13 of them starts, while recording a career-high 96 tackles and an interception. In Miami last season, Elliott started 15 games, making 82 tackles, an interception and a career-high 7 pass defenses.
At 6-1, 210 pounds, Elliott adds another good-sized body to the equation at safety to pair with Fitzpatrick, one of the most talented safeties in the NFL. And he brings a physical presence as a big hitter.
“We actually came out of school together (in 2018),” Elliott said. “I met him at the college football banquet in Atlanta. He’s a quiet guy, but he’s a fantastic player. He’s very instinctual, very smart, a natural leader. I think that he’s going to one day have a gold jacket and hopefully, one day a Super Bowl ring. He’s a great player. I’m excited to play with.”
He has spent time at both free and strong safety in his career. In 2023, he saw 574 snaps as a deep safety and 236 in the box.
Elliott is considered a good tackler and strong run defender. Per Pro Football Focus, he missed just three tackles as a run defender in 2023. He also forced seven incompletions in the passing game to lead Miami’s safeties.
“It’s football. I feel like if you are scared of being physical, get off the field,” Elliott said.
With another experienced safety in the fold who can play strong or free, the Steelers can utilize a three-safety package that they used at times in 2023 when Fitzpatrick, Kazee and Neal were healthy.
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