Tampa Bay Buccaneers safety Keanu Neal. Nathan Ray Seebeck-USA TODAY Sports

Steelers signing ex-Pro Bowl defender

Originally posted on Larry Brown Sports
By Darryn Albert | Last updated 3/30/23

The Pittsburgh Steelers have found their replacement for longtime starting safety Terrell Edmunds.

Former first-round pick Keanu Neal has agreed to a two-year deal with the Steelers, per his agent. Neal became a free agent after spending last season with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

Neal, a seven-year NFL veteran with three different teams, began his career as a strong safety and made a Pro Bowl with the Atlanta Falcons in 2017. He transitioned into other roles, including free safety and weakside linebacker, before becoming a strong safety again last season with the Bucs.

Still only 27, Neal could help the Steelers recoup some of the production of Edmunds, who left for a top NFC team after spending the last five years as Pittsburgh’s starting SS. Neal has good instincts and a physical style of play.

The Chiefs trick play turns into a Keanu Neal INT #RiseUpATL

: #ATLvsKC on FOX
: NFL app // Yahoo Sports app: https://t.co/IFHvVPw7XT pic.twitter.com/2MMdck5AAh

— NFL (@NFL) December 27, 2020

That hit last season by Keanu Neal on Taysom Hill #Steelers #NFL pic.twitter.com/vjD9tdYd1i

— Steelers Depot 7⃣ (@Steelersdepot) March 30, 2023

When we signed Keanu Neal this play is the first thing that came to my head pic.twitter.com/731mKsv0S1

— (@DJBucsFan) April 7, 2022

After finishing just 19th in passing yards allowed per game last season, the Steelers have a new-look secondary. Neal joins a multi-time Pro Bowl cornerback as notable additions to the Pittsburgh secondary.

This article first appeared on Larry Brown Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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