What Impact Could We See from the Steelers Elite Safety Next Season After Signing a New Deal?
With training camp in the process and the next season on its way in just a few short months, teams around the league are looking to lock up their core players. In Pittsburgh, veteran safety DeShon Elliott was entering the final year of his two-year, six-million-dollar contract. After an impressive first season with the Steelers last year, he has earned himself a two-year, $12.5 million extension. The question now arises: Is DeShon Elliott worth the money?
Surely, having a partner in the skies as talented as Minkah Fitzpatrick makes it easier for players such as DeShon Elliott to show out. However, Elliott was a key factor in Pittsburgh’s elite defense last season. He recorded 108 total tackles, which was second on the team, two forced fumbles, six passes defensed, and an interception. His new annual salary, $6.25 million per year, will make him just the 30th highest-paid safety in the NFL. With the salary cap growing more each year, and Kerby Joseph, the league’s highest-paid safety, making $86 million over the next four years, it’s safe to say the Steelers got a steal with this one.
Entering his seventh year in the league at 28 years old, there is not much more room for improvement when it comes to DeShon Elliott’s production. However, that doesn’t mean he can’t continue to be a key piece to Pittsburgh’s defense. Standing at six feet one, 210 pounds, Elliott is a force to be reckoned with in the open field. His size, physicality, and football IQ make him extremely versatile, and he won’t think twice about making a statement with a big hit. He excels best when he can use his size and strength to his advantage, such as in press coverage, as a blitzing linebacker, or on special teams. The Pittsburgh Steelers have remained a top-of-the-league threat on the defensive side of the ball. Now, they enter the season with very few, if any, holes on defense. However, All-Pro edge rusher T.J. Watt remains unsigned, as he waits for a new contract. If this Watt mess drags into the regular season, the secondary will have to take a step up, giving Elliott the ability to show why he’s worth his money, and more. He has many skills on the field, but what’s more impressive is his attitude. This is the type of guy teams will be salivating over for only one-third of the average amount of money made by safeties.
