With the NFL world still reacting to their blockbuster trade package involving star cornerback Jalen Ramsey, star safety Minkah Fitzpatrick and starting tight end Jonnu Smith, the Pittsburgh Steelers already appear to be eyeing their next veteran target.
Long-time Steelers beat reporter and insider Mark Kaboly reacted to the Ramsey trade on June 30, and he hinted at Pittsburgh’s next move within the post.
“With the departure of Fitzpatrick, who could easily have been called a cornerstone of the defense, there is a hole at safety alongside DeShon Elliott,” Kaboly noted.
Continuing: “Sure, Tomlin loves [safety signing] Juan Thornhill, but to think that [general manager Omar] Khan isn’t interested in adding to the safety position with a trade or in free agency… you are mistaken.”
“There is no waiting around and seeing what happens with Khan,” Kaboly said earlier. “He and his staff scour the league for potential players they can add and, if it makes sense, they make the deal.”
He reminded that this is “why you can’t sit here today and think this is the complete roster that the Steelers will start the season with.”
Kaboly Floats the Names of Available Free Agent Safeties Justin Simmons & Jordan Whitehead as Potential Steelers Targets
After revealing his expectation that the Steelers will add a veteran safety in the coming weeks, Kaboly even floated two names. Justin Simmons and Jordan Whitehead, with the former being the big fish.
“Simmons is a former Pro Bowler, and considering he is still unemployed, he could be on Khan’s shortlist,” Kaboly stated. He also expressed that “Ramsey is going to start,” no matter what.
“You don’t get paid as much as him and think there is going to be any kind of platooning with Darius Slay or Joey Porter Jr.,” the reporter explained. “With Ramsey able to play in the slot and safety, it makes this defense better.”
So, how do all these current and potential pieces fit into place?
NFL insider Josina Anderson shared an interesting “note” on that exact topic on June 30.
“One big implication of the Steelers trading S Minkah Fitzpatrick to the [Miami] Dolphins is the hole it leaves in Pittsburgh’s defensive backfield at his position,” she reiterated.
Continuing: “Look up their depth chart. My understanding is, unless the Steelers look to add another ‘true free safety’ in addition to this big trade today, there’s a real possibility that Pittsburgh will have to start 3 corners and 1 safety in ‘regular personnel’ with 4 DB’s–meaning they’d have to start CB Darius Slay, CB Jalen Ramsey, SS Deshon Elliott along with CB Joey Porter Jr. (who I know is considered way too talented for their roster to take him off the field).”
If Simmons joins the party, too, it would create one of the more stacked and crowded secondaries in all of football.
Justin Simmons Would Be a Much Better Fit Next to DeShon Elliott Than Jordan Whitehead
Of the two names Kaboly gave, Simmons — albeit more expensive — would be the much better free safety fit. Whitehead’s game is just far too similar to Elliott’s to make sense, as both of the hard-hitters thrive lining up inside the box or closer to the line of scrimmage.
What the Steelers need is a deep coverage safety. Thornhill can play the role, but Simmons would be an immediate upgrade in this regard.
At age 32 in November, Simmons is not quite as young as he used to be, but he’s still one of the more aware and intelligent ball hawks in the game today. With 32 career interceptions since 2016 and 71 pass breakups.
From the player’s perspective, Simmons has also never made the postseason, so the Steelers could be the ideal fit, being that head coach Mike Tomlin is known for rarely missing the playoffs.
Simmons suited up in 16 games for the Atlanta Falcons last year. He’s started 15 or more games in six of his past seven campaigns playing for the Falcons and Denver Broncos.
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