The Pittsburgh Steelers just threw a lifeline to their banged-up secondary, bringing in three safeties for a workout on Tuesday. Yeah, you heard that right. This isn’t just a routine check-in; the team is clearly scrambling for some depth after DeShon Elliott landed on injured reserve and Bishop Fitzgerald got poached right off the practice squad. Alan Saunders of Steelers Now broke the news, confirming the team tried out Beau Brade, Austin Brown, and Dan Jackson. It’s a clear signal that the black and gold need some help, and fast.
Who’s Stepping Up For The Steelers’ Secondary?
Let’s talk about the guys who got the call. First up is Beau Brade, and he definitely brings the most experience to the table. This is his third pro season, which is saying something in this league. Undrafted back in 2024 out of Maryland, Brade has bounced around a bit, spending time with both the Baltimore Ravens and the New York Giants. He’s actually seen some NFL action, appearing in 26 games. The catch? He’s started zero of them. Most of his work has been on special teams, logging a solid 400 snaps there, with only a dozen plays on defense. So, he’s a proven special teams guy who knows the pro game, but Pittsburgh would be looking for more. Can he provide it?
Then there’s Austin Brown, who’s fresh out of college, going undrafted in 2026. He initially signed with the Indianapolis Colts before hitting the open market. This guy was a beast in his final season with the Wisconsin Badgers. We’re talking 40 total tackles and three passes defensed. That’s solid production, and you gotta wonder if that college tape translates to a bigger role in the pros. He’s a rookie in the system, so there’d be a learning curve, but sometimes those undrafted guys just click.
The Lions’ Draft Pick And What’s Next
Finally, we have Dan Jackson, a seventh-round pick by the Detroit Lions just last year, in 2025. He’s a bit of an unknown quantity in the NFL because he never actually appeared in a game during his rookie season, landing on injured reserve. That’s tough luck for any player. But don’t sleep on his college stats from Georgia; they’re impressive. In his final year, Jackson racked up 64 total tackles, three passes defensed, and two interceptions. Those are playmaking numbers. The talent is clearly there; it’s just a matter of staying healthy and getting an opportunity.
As of Tuesday evening, the Steelers hadn’t signed any of these guys. It’s a waiting game, but one thing is clear: the team needs bodies in the secondary. With games coming fast and injuries piling up, they can’t afford to wait too long. Who will fill that void? We’ll be watching to see if any of these workouts turn into a roster spot. The Steelers are gonna need all hands on deck to keep that secondary locked down.
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by Behind the Steel Curtain.
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