This is the sixth in a series reviewing the Steelers' 2024 lineup by position. Today: Defensive Backs
Defensive Backs: Minkah Fitzpatrick, DeShon Elliott, Joey Porter Jr., Donte Jackson, Damontae Kazee, Miles Killebrew, Beanie Bishop, Cory Trice Jr., James Pierre, Cam Sutton, C.J. Henderson
The Steelers' secondary was a key unit in the team's takeaway culture in 2024, combining to record 15 of the team's 17 interceptions.
That total that was tied for third-most in the NFL in 2024. The group was led by Donte Jackson's five interceptions and four from rookie Beanie Bishop.
Both were actually new to the Steelers this season, as Jackson was acquired from Carolina in a trade as part of the compensation for wide receiver Diontae Johnson.
Bishop, meanwhile, was an undrafted rookie who made the team and saw the majority of the team's snaps this season in the slot.
Overall, the group had an up-and-down season. When it was good, it was typically very good. When it wasn't, there could be some rough plays, largely involving miscommunications that left receivers uncovered.
The Steelers finished the season allowing 228 passing yards per game, which was 25th in the NFL, but their 87.5 passer rating allowed was seventh-best.
Joey Porter Jr. continued his strong overall play from his rookie season and often was used to match up on the opposing team's No. 1 receiver, though not quite as often as he did as a rookie. Still, he allowed a passer rating of 82.7 in his coverage, though his 12 penalties accepted against led all NFL corners.
That, however, is not uncommon for corners asked to play press coverage as much as Porter. Many of the top corners in the league also are among the most heavily penalized, but it's an issue that Porter will continue to have to work through.
Jackson, because of his career-high five interceptions, allowed a passer rating of 69.9 in his coverage, while Bishop was at 59.5.
Second-year pro Cory Trice Jr. made strides this season after missing his entire rookie year with a knee injury. Trice has excellent size and the former seventh-round draft pick could be a breakout candidate for the 2025 season.
Safeties Minkah Fitzpatrick and DeShon Elliott worked well overall in tandem with each other.
Elliott, signed as a free agent in the offseason, was a revelation, finishing second on the team to linebacker Patrick Queen with 108 tackles despite missing two games because of injuries.
He also was good in coverage matched against tight ends and had a missed tackle rate of just 2.7 percent according to Pro Football Reference. Fitzpatrick's missed tackle rate was just 4.0 percent, as the two starting safeties formed one of the better tackling back ends in the NFL.
After failing to be involved in any turnovers in 2024, Fitzpatrick had one interception and one forced fumble in 2024. He's been much more productive in that area in the past, including leading the NFL in interceptions in 2022, but still was voted to his fifth Pro Bowl, a testament to how respected his play is by his peers.
Damontae Kazee finished his third season with the Steelers with 31 and an interception, while Cameron Sutton also saw time at both safety and as a slot corner in his return to the team at midseason after serving an NFL-mandated suspension.
Veteran safety Miles Killebrew is the team's special teams captain and was an All-Pro in that role in 2023. He's one of the most respected players on the team.
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James Pierre was brought back at the end of training camp and wound up being a core special teams player this season, particularly as a gunner.
Former Jaguars first-round draft pick C.J. Henderson was signed at midseason when the Steelers had some injuries, but did not see any playing time and wound up on injured reserve after suffering an injury in practice.
Jackson, Sutton, Henderson, Kazee and Pierre all are slated to be unrestricted free agents this offseason, so this group could have a much different look to it in 2024.
