Steelers Sign Two More: Here's What We Know
PITTSBURGH -- The Pittsburgh Steelers have agreed to deals with former Los Angeles Chargers nose tackle Breiden Fehoko and Tampa Bay Buccaneers safety Keanu Neal.
The addition of both add plugs to holes the Steelers' defense desperately needed to fill. Neither is guaranteed anything when it comes to their role in 2023, but with Neal being a six-year veteran with plenty of starting experience and Fehoko coming off an impressive end of the year in 2022, expectations for both are high.
Here's what we know about the two signings and how it impacts this team moving forward.
Depth Chart
Fehoko: The Steelers only had one nose tackle on the roster coming into the offseason in Montravius Adams. The 27-year-old has started 13 games for Pittsburgh the last season and a half, and will obviously be looked at as a potential starter this year as well.
Fehoko started three of the nine games played for the Chargers last season. Because both Adams and Fehoko are more prove-it players on a year-to-year basis, don't count nose tackle out of the Steelers' NFL Draft or free agency plans.
Neal: The Steelers will reportedly use Neal as a backup to Damontae Kazee and Minkah Fitzpatrick. It's the same role he played in Tampa Bay last season, where he recorded 63 tackles, an interception and four pass deflections.
At this point, it's going to be a challenge for Tre Norwood to remain on the roster, but we'll get into why in a second.
Expectations
The expectations for Fehoko are simple - he'll be given an opportunity to beat out Adams and potentially another addition. If he proves to be "the guy," he'll be just 27 years old as the starter for the Steelers.
If he does not earn a starting job, depending on who the team brings in for the remainder of the offseason, he'll be fighting for a roster spot, but should be expected to earn one either way.
As for Neal, he'll be the thumper to replace Terrell Edmunds. With eight forced fumbles in his career, the former first-round pick brings box safety play and physical football to Pittsburgh's defense - replacing, almost to a T, the player he was signed to replicate.
Neal will operate in three-safety sets and as a tight end coverage option. Don't be surprised if he finds himself playing dimebacker as well, after playing middle linebacker for the Dallas Cowboys two seasons ago.
Changes to Steelers NFL Draft Plans
When it comes to the Steelers' defensive line, don't expect much to change with their NFL Draft plans. Pittsburgh needed to sign a nose tackle, but with the talent in this year's draft, specifically at nose tackle, they have to be looking for a rookie as well.
With Isaiahh Loudermilk having a down year in 2022, the Steelers could look for another versatile defensive tackle who can play across the middle. Either way, signing Fehoko won't deter them from adding to the group in the draft.
With Neal, it could change things. The Steelers typically keep four to five safeties on the roster depending on their special teams capabilities. They currently have five, but it's hard to pass up a safety in a talented class like this one.
What it probably does do, is change their perspective from drafting a safety to drafting a defensive back. A Brian Branch-type player who can play the slot and drop back, allowing Pittsburgh to utilize them at nickel with Arthur Maulet.
They've met with Iowa State's Anthony Johnson Jr. at his Pro Day and told him they foresee him playing slot and safety. Chances are they'll talk to a number of prospects with a similar skill set, and look to add a chess piece to the mix instead of a starting-caliber safety.
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