As training camp kicks off, the Pittsburgh Steelers still have some work to do with the roster— especially when it comes to safety depth. While the starting duo of Juan Thornhill and DeShon Elliott looks solid enough on paper, things get shaky fast when you look at the depth behind them.
Many fans had their eyes on free agent Julian Blackmon as a possible free agent target. Unfortunately, that door appears to be closing. According to Jeremy Fowler of ESPN, the New Orleans Saints are closing in on a deal
with Blackmon following Tyrann Mathieu’s retirement earlier this week. It’s a logical move for New Orleans—but a missed opportunity for Pittsburgh.
So where does that leave the Steelers?
Looking around the Steelers roster and honestly who is the backup free safety? pic.twitter.com/Jmefs8pE9S
— Nick Farabaugh (@FarabaughFB) July 23, 2025
Right now, the backup options are Miles Killebrew, Quindell Johnson, and undrafted rookie Sebastian Castro.
Killebrew is a reliable specialist, but he’s started just five games in his entire NFL career. Johnson is still developing, and Castro is a complete unknown at the pro level. If either Thornhill or Elliott were to go down in camp, the Steelers would be in a seriously tough spot.
GM Omar Khan did acknowledge on the Steelers’ official YouTube channel that the team could look outside the building for help. That feels more like a “when,” not an “if” at this point.
There are still a few veterans on the market who could step in and contribute immediately. With camp underway and preseason approaching, it would be smart for the Steelers to make a move sooner rather than later. Because right now, one injury could turn a solid secondary into a major liability.
Do you have any concerns about the Steelers depth at safety? Who would you like to see signed or traded for? Let us know in the comments!
More from behindthesteelcurtain.com:
- Pittsburgh Steelers 2019 Schedule: Rumors, leaks and updates (UPDATED)
- Midweek Mock Draft Roundup 13.0: A look at the Steelers latest mock draft projections
- Black and Gold Links: Steven Nelson’s rise to high priced free agent is remarkable
- During offseason workouts, Ben Roethlisberger says plenty while saying nothing
- I had a dream I was an entitled football player in search of a lucrative contract
- 2019 NFL Draft: A case for the Steelers not drafting a WR in the first or second round
- Pittsburgh Steelers 2019 NFL Draft Scenario 1.0: With key defenders gone, Steelers go WR in Round 1
