The Pittsburgh Steelers are preparing for the upcoming NFL season with significant changes to their defensive backfield. The team recently traded Minkah Fitzpatrick for Jalen Ramsey and added Darius Slay, moves that are expected to strengthen their secondary.
Head coach Mike Tomlin has aimed to make the Steelers a man coverage team in recent years. While this approach has worked in some seasons, it was less effective during the 2024 campaign. The new additions are intended to address those shortcomings and give the defense more flexibility.
With Ramsey, Slay, and Joey Porter Jr., the Steelers believe they can match up against any offense in the league. All three defensive backs will likely be on the field together often this season.
“It’s a big year for him. Year three man. He’s really excited about it,” Tomlin said of Porter. “I think it’s really good to have some established veterans around him that have kind of been over some of the ground that he aspires to cover. Guys like Jalen and Slay are really helpful to him in terms of just having been there and done that. He’s had a good process. I think the company he keeps, those two savvy veterans, has a lot to do with it as well.”
During their final preseason game against Carolina, rookie Yahya Black made an impression by recording a sack and forcing a fumble on consecutive plays after Derrick Harmon suffered a knee sprain. Black did not have high numbers in sacks or forced fumbles during his college career but showed potential in these moments.
The Steelers enter this season without much attention from national media or analysts but feel they have improved compared to previous years, including when they reached the postseason in 2023 and 2024. The team’s health remains important for its success; Tomlin limited veteran players’ participation during preseason games as a precaution.
Wide receiver Calvin Austin III is another player coaches expect could play an important role early in the season if he develops chemistry with quarterback Aaron Rodgers. Austin is known for his toughness despite his size and his speed gives him an advantage on deep routes.
Derrick Harmon’s knee injury was less severe than initially feared, allowing optimism that he will return soon and contribute during the regular season.
