The Pittsburgh Steelers lock up S DeShon Elliott with a major extension on June 17, 2025, rewarding his dominant 2024 season. See why this deal is key.
StatPro NFL Beat Reporter
The Pittsburgh Steelers sent a clear message on Tuesday: they're building their future around a punishing defense. The team locked up standout safety DeShon Elliott with a two-year, $12.5 million extension, a significant move that keeps a vital playmaker in the secondary through 2027 and signals a shift in the team's traditional contract philosophy.
With Elliott on the field in 2024, the Steelers defense allowed just 17.4 points per game. Without him, that number ballooned to 30.5.
DeShon Elliott didn't just earn this contract; he proved he was indispensable. After a stellar 2024 season where he racked up 108 tackles, three fumble recoveries, and two forced fumbles, the Steelers broke from their usual script by guaranteeing a whopping $9.21 million of his new deal. The numbers tell the whole story. When Elliott played, the defense was a force, surrendering a mere 88.5 rushing yards per game. In the games he missed, that number skyrocketed to 175.5. Securing him wasn't just a luxury; it was a necessity to maintain the team's defensive identity.
While the defense celebrated its new deal, the offense is still in the workshop. All eyes are on Broderick Jones during OTAs as he makes the crucial transition from right to left tackle. Jones is reportedly focused on two key areas: improving his consistency and trimming down his weight to handle the premier pass rushers he'll face on the blind side. This move is arguably the most important development for the offensive line this offseason, as his success could finally solidify the unit and provide the stability the quarterback room desperately needs.
Two massive questions continue to hang over the team's future. Firstly, is the quarterback room truly better than last year? Offseason analysis is ongoing, but the debate rages on among fans and pundits. Secondly, and more monumentally, what happens with T.J. Watt? Contract talks are reportedly progressing, with whispers of a potential $121.5 million deal to keep the defensive superstar in Pittsburgh for the long haul. While Elliott's deal is done, Watt's negotiation is the next major hurdle for the front office, a decision that will shape the team's salary cap and defensive dominance for years to come.
With DeShon Elliott secured, the Steelers have solidified a critical piece of their defensive puzzle. Now, attention turns to the offense's development with Broderick Jones' move to left tackle and the monumental contract decision awaiting T.J. Watt. Tuesday's news confirms the team's defensive-first identity, but the success of the 2025 season will ultimately hinge on whether the offense can catch up and if the team can keep its biggest star.
