Keanu Neal (22) tackles Cincinnati Bengals wide receiver Tee Higgins (85). Nathan Ray Seebeck-USA TODAY Sports

What role will Steelers' new versatile defender play?

By Aaron Becker | Last updated 3/31/23

The Steelers signed versatile defender Keanu Neal to a two-year contract on Thursday. With experience playing at both safety and linebacker, what will his role be in Pittsburgh?

Neal, a former first rounder, will likely be used all over the field as he was with the Buccaneers in 2022 but he is reportedly being viewed as a depth piece and not a starter.

Neal being viewed as depth, not starter. https://t.co/SyBkDaGpld
— Gerry Dulac (@gerrydulac) March 30, 2023

It may come as a surprise after the Steelers had to say goodbye to starting safety Terrell Edmunds, who signed a one-year deal with the Eagles last week, and some may have figured Neal would be his replacement.

Although, the team also re-signed safety Damontae Kazee to a two-year deal earlier in free agency.

Edmunds' and Neal's usages in 2022 were very similar. Edmunds played in the box 35.5 percent of the time while Neal was in it around 40 percent.

Last year, Terrell Edmunds played in the box 35.5% of the time.

Neal sat at around 40% last season.

So this all checks out. https://t.co/cNYgcCLUxM
— Alex Kozora (@Alex_Kozora) March 30, 2023

Either way, Neal is a nice addition for Pittsburgh after not missing a game in 2022 and having 63 tackles, one interception and four passes defensed.

The move gives the Steelers some more flexibility heading into the 2023 NFL Draft as well. If they want to draft another safety, they can. But the team certainly doesn't need to with safeties Minkah Fitzpatrick, Kazee and Neal now set to hold down the back end of the defense.

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