SAFETY ROOM PREDICTIONS- Minkah Fitzpatrick (FS), DeShon Elliott (SS), Damontae Kazee (FS), Trenton Thompson (FS), Miles Killebrew (ST) *Honorable Mention- Justin Simmons*
Minkah Fitzpatrick is an All-pro safety when healthy and is an absolute beast in the pass game. With top tier athleticism and ball hawking ability, Fitzpatrick has proven to be the best safety in the league. Minkah Fitzpatrick is only 27-years old and has already been to four pro-bowls and is a three-time All-pro. Despite playing in only ten games in 2023, Minkah is fully healthy heading into the 2024 season and is ready to take back his title as being the league’s best safety.
DeShon Elliott is an underrated move that the Steelers made this offseason. The Steelers signed the young veteran to a two-year contract and is currently set to be the team’s starting strong safety. Elliott has vast experience as he has played with the Ravens, Lions, and most recently the Dolphins throughout his career. With having multiple years of experience in different systems, Elliott was a big name in this year’s free agency. The only downside to the DeShon Elliott signing was his injury past. Elliott has only played in one full season in his five-year career. Despite this minor limitation, DeShon Elliott is a great signing, especially considering that he will fill a position that was plagued by poor production and injuries.
Damontae Kazee was the main starting strong safety in 2023. Battling with injuries and suspensions, Kazze’s impact and play were disappointing. This would lead to the Steelers going out and replacing him with DeShon Elliott. While being a back-up heading into 2024, Kazee will still see some playtime as his play recognition and ball hawking skills are incredible. It is just simply; he cannot be trusting in starting role. He will be a good rotational piece and will play to his advantages. Trenton Thompson is a man who made his name last season. With the safety position being slim due to injuries, Thompson stepped up and played well for his situation. It is likely that Thompson could receive a higher role this season due to his play in 2023.
Miles Killebrew signed a two-year extension with the Steelers this offseason. This is great pick up by the Steelers as he is the best special team’s player in the league. While his efforts at safety have been lackluster, he has definitely made up for it with his production on special teams. Killebrew leads the league in blocked punts since 2021 and made his first pro-bowl this past season. The former Lion is set to continue his reign of terror on special teams for the Steelers and be the center piece of a great unit.
Now Justin Simmons is not signed to the Steelers. However, it is very likely that the two-time pro-bowl safety ends up playing for Pittsburgh this upcoming season. The former Bronco was released earlier this offseason and has yet to sign with the team. While the reason for this is unclear, Simmons production is a very unlikely reason. The veteran safety is coming off a pro-bowl season where he recorded three interceptions and eight pass deflections. Throughout this offseason, Simmons’ name has been linked to the Steelers. So only time will tell if this happens, but it is in the Steelers’ favor.