Safety is a more minor need for the Pittsburgh Steelers than others like defensive line, wide receiver, cornerback, and running back, but it could be a spot the team looks to add still. Even after signing DeShon Elliott a season ago, Pittsburgh could use a third safety with Damontae Kazee hitting free agency.
CBS believes the Steelers should target Talanoa Hufanga, who bases his game off Steelers legend Troy Polamalu.
“Hufanga was named an All-Pro in 2022 after recording four interceptions, nine passes defensed and two sacks to go along with 97 combined tackles, but unfortunately tore his ACL late in the 2023 season,” they wrote. “Can you imagine what Pittsburgh’s defense could be capable of with Minkah Fitzpatrick and Hufanga roaming the secondary?”
The issue with the analysis is it does not include Elliott, who was playing arguably at a Pro Bowl level in 2024. He will be a starter, and while Hufanga is talented, his injury history is concerning. For three safety sets, though, the addition of Hufanga could be exciting and allow the Steelers to give defenses more exotic looks.
A former fifth-round pick out of USC, Hufanga is likely to walk since the 49ers are strapped for cap space and still need to find a way to pay Brock Purdy.
