Steelers 2019 Free-agent Market Watch: Safeties

Towards the end of the 2018 season, the glaring weakness for the Pittsburgh Steelers was in the defensive backfield, but not particularly at safety. With Morgan Burnett asking for his release a mere year after the Steelers signed him, the Steelers are left with mainly Sean Davis, Terrell Edmunds, Jordan Dangerfield, and Marcus Allen. The free agent position is rich at the position. Below are some of the top options at the safety spot, should Kevin Colbert decide to go in that direction.

Landon Collins - New York Giants

The Alabama Crimson Tide standout was high on the Steelers wish list in 2015. There was even talk about trading up in the second round to nab him. The Giants did and it was a solid move. Collins is a guy that truly makes plays. The three-time Pro Bowl selection and one-time All Pro thieved eight passes and amassed 428 tackles in four seasons. The 25-year old had surgery on his shoulder last season, but it shouldn’t jeaopardize his start to 2019.

Earl Thomas - Seattle Seahawks

The most accomplished of this group, Thomas has 28 interceptions and 11 forced-fumbles in nine seasons as a Seahawk. About to turn 30 in May and despite a leg injury that limited him to a mere four games in 2018, the man they call “Deuce” should still garner a lot of attention in free agency as the leader and stalwart of a secondary. Thomas, a veteran of six Pro Bowls and two Super Bowls (champ in 2013), was named All Pro thrice in his career.

Tyrann Mathieu - Houston Texans

When the Cardinals unexpectedly released the standout safety last year, Steeler Nation salivated for his services. Even Cam Heyward invited him via social media to Pittsburgh. However, the Honey Badger gambled on himself and signed a one-year deal worth $7 Million with the Houston Texans. As a safety and corner, Mathieu proved durability with a 16-game season that featured two picks and three sacks. A Pro Bowler and All Pro in 2015, the 26-year old’s 2018 may see that gamble pay off this free agency period.

Adrian Amos - Chicago Bears

Amos could be franchised by the Bears due to his emergence as a talented, young player. The Nittany Lion could be considered elite at the position soon. Amos had two interceptions in the 2018 campaign.

Ha Ha Clinton Dix -Washington Redskins

Another Alabama Safety, Clinton-Dix was traded by the Packers at the deadline last season. Ha-Ha had average tackling ability, but is a tremendous playmaker and excellent in coverage. At 26, the FS could get a huge deal.

Other Notable Free Agent Safeties

Tre Boston - Arizona Cardinals

Clayton Geathers - Indianapolis Colts

Mike Mitchell - Indianapolis Colts

George Iloka - Minnesota Vikings

Kenny Vaccaro- Tennessee Titans

Lamarcus Joyner - Los Angeles Rams

Anthony Harris - Minnesota Vikings

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One could make a case for all of the top five to fit the bill in different ways in the Burgh. It will depend mostly on the market, who stays/who goes and where the Steelers want to spend their cash. With other needs and some potentially arising, the draft could be another route.