This Wild Steelers Trade Idea Could Fix Seattle's Biggest Defensive Problem
The Seahawks' defense just took a major hit this offseason, and it's got Seattle's fanbase worried. Safety Coby Bryant left for the Chicago Bears in free agency, and suddenly Mike Macdonald's secondary is looking thin at a critical position. Seattle rolled with three safeties on defense in 2025, but the reality is brutal: the team only has two starting-caliber guys in Julian Love and Nick Emmanwori. That's not enough depth for a defense trying to get back to playoff form.
Enter DeShon Elliott and Pittsburgh
Here's where it gets interesting. Bleacher Report's Moe Moton just threw out a trade idea that would send Pittsburgh Steelers safety DeShon Elliott to Seattle for the right price. Elliott's a starting-caliber player who can line up anywhere in the secondary: slot corner, box safety, free safety. The versatility alone would be huge for what Brian Fleury's offense needs defensively.
Moton's reasoning? Pittsburgh just signed safeties Jaquan Brisker and Darnell Savage, which could leave Elliott expendable. "The Pittsburgh Steelers may be willing to deal Elliott after they signed safeties Jaquan Brisker and Darnell Savage. Unless Jalen Ramsey moves into the slot full-time, Elliott could play in a reduced role coming off an injury-riddled campaign," Moton wrote.
The Real Problem: Pittsburgh Probably Won't Trade Him
Here's the catch. Elliott's still earning $12 million a year, and the Steelers view him as a key piece of their defense. Yeah, they added those other safeties, but Darnell Savage looks more like a depth move than a future starter. Plus, with Jamel Dean now opposite Joey Porter Jr., Jalen Ramsey's likely heading back to the slot anyway. That means Elliott stays in the fold.
Bottom line? Don't count on this trade happening. The Steelers need Elliott too much to let him walk, no matter how crowded the safety room gets. Seattle's going to have to find another way to patch that secondary hole.
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This article was created with AI assistance and reviewed by Seattle On Tap editorial staff. Always verify information with official team sources.