Although the Pittsburgh Steelers haven’t done much in free agency, they have garnered attention by adding big players to close up crucial roster gaps. Russell Wilson was brought in by Omar Khan and Mike Tomlin in an effort to improve the quarterback situation. Patrick Queen was also signed by the Steelers to the biggest free agent deal in team history. DeShon Elliott, a safety in 2024, signed a two-year, $6 million contract with the Steelers on Thursday.
In Pittsburgh, Elliott had his first press conference as a Steelers player on Friday. The former Baltimore Ravens safety is well-known in the city, so it was difficult for him to conceal his excitement at rejoining his old foe.
Elliott has made four stops in the NFL in the last six seasons. The Miami Dolphins, Detroit Lions, and Baltimore Ravens safety is renowned for his vicious hitting. Elliott gained notoriety in 2023 after a severe crash with Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes. During the ensuing tackle, Mahomes’ helmet broke.
Elliott is a product of the distinctive physical makeup of the AFC North as well as the football battles fought by the Ravens and Steelers. In front of the Pittsburgh media, the newest member of the black and gold seized the chance to condemn the NFL’s efforts to criminalize physicality. In typical Steelers form, Elliott made a remark that would make Greg Lloyd and James Harrison proud—he advised the timid to proceed with caution.
“I’m thrilled. “I believe that each of the four AFC North teams is a physically strong team,” Elliot went on. There are several NFL teams who don’t play this style of football. It’s ingrained in my DNA and demonstrates the culture. It’s football; leave the field if you can’t handle physical contact. On grass, they’re attempting to transform football into basketball. I’m not going to have it around here since I really don’t play those kinds of games.”
Defenseman TJ Watt, Cam Heyward, and Minkah Fitzpatrick are among Pittsburgh’s best. The villainy that the great Steelers defenses of the past possessed has been absent during the previous few seasons. In 2024, the addition of Elliott and Queen to the defense might be the spark that turns it into a historically outstanding defense.
Arthur Smith and Wilson’s offense for the Steelers is drawing a lot of attention. Still, the defense will be under additional strain as a result of the trades of Diontae Johnson and, more recently, Kenny Pickett. With no backup quarterback, Pittsburgh is playing with a dangerously empty receiver room. Fans will remain uneasy until the offensive conundrum is solved, but Khan has a strategy.
The Steelers’ 2024 defense has added a free agent component it was lacking.
It’s possible that the Steelers’ defense will be the most formidable group Pittsburgh has fielded in a while. Elliott and his teammates have the chance to rise to the occasion and outplay opponents by taking on the challenge posed by the legendary Steelers defenses of the past. It has been successful in the past, but in 2024 it will put the NFL’s tolerance for that brand of football to the test. The Pittsburgh defense of 2024 may easily face fines and penalties, but they would gladly pay the price if it meant winning a division title and the postseason.