Pittsburgh Review

As the Pittsburgh Steelers prepare for their 2024 training camp at Saint Vincent College on July 24, the focus turns to the safeties. The roster includes Minkah Fitzpatrick, DeShon Elliott, Damonte Kazee, Miles Killebrew, Ryan Watts, and Nate Meadors.

The Steelers boast a strong safety lineup with two All-Pro players. Free safety Minkah Fitzpatrick is regarded as one of the league's top players across all positions. Additionally, Miles Killebrew stands out as a significant special teams contributor.

Despite these strengths, injuries plagued the team in 2023. Fitzpatrick played only 10 games, Keanu Neal nine, and Kazee 14. This forced the Steelers to deploy six different player combinations at safety throughout the season. Consequently, Fitzpatrick had to adapt his role frequently to address various defensive needs but saw a dip in his production with no interceptions and only three pass defenses.

To address these challenges, veteran safety DeShon Elliott was signed during the offseason. Elliott is expected to play strong safety, allowing Fitzpatrick to revert to his more traditional free safety role and potentially increase his interception tally. In 2022, Fitzpatrick tied for the league lead with six interceptions and had amassed 17 interceptions over his first four seasons with Pittsburgh.

"Just let me play ball," Fitzpatrick said. "That's it. Minkah ball."

Defensive coordinator Teryl Austin emphasized Fitzpatrick's effectiveness when positioned deeper on the field: "Minkah is at his best when he's playing back a little bit deeper seeing things and able to react and see the game because he sees it really fast," Austin stated.

Elliott brings a physical edge to the team after recording 82 tackles and one interception for Miami last season. He expressed his commitment to maintaining a tough playing style: "It's football. I feel like if you are scared of being physical, get off the field," Elliott remarked.

Kazee contributed significantly last season with 61 tackles and two fumble recoveries. Killebrew excelled on special teams with 13 tackles—tying for second in the NFL—and blocked or deflected two kicks en route to an All-Pro selection and Pro Bowl appearance.

Additionally, rookie Ryan Watts was drafted in the sixth round from Texas. Standing at 6-foot-3 and weighing 212 pounds, Watts displayed versatility by playing both cornerback and safety during offseason activities. He may have a future as a safety or special teams specialist.

First-year player Nate Meadors also returns after spending time on Pittsburgh's practice squad in 2023 as he aims for a spot on the final roster.